Fourth of July Events Across the U.S.

July 1, 2002

If there’s ever been a time to step back and celebrate the freedoms earned in 1776, this is it. Many celebrations across the nation will have a solemn side, honoring and remembering the Sept. 11 victims and heroes. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty of fireworks, parades and live music. Here’s a look at some events across the nation.
     
           
BOSTON
       Boston Harborfest sponsors a week-long festival at 45 School St. celebrating Boston’s maritime and colonial history. More than 200 events are scheduled around Boston Harbor, July 2-7. Highlights include: opening ceremonies, concerts, party on the plaza and a chowderfest. Take a walking tour. Visit the ships and witness Revolutionary Era historical reenactments. Don McLean and Al Stewart will be among the musical guests. For information, visit Harborfest’s Web site.

       July 4 on the Esplanade features The Boston Pops and a fireworks display. Special guests include Barry Manilow and Maureen McGovern. The concert starts at 8 p.m. with “The Star-Spangled Banner,” featuring Miss America Katie Marie Harman as soloist, and ends at 10 p.m. with a 30-minute fireworks display to the tune of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. If you aren’t near one of the sound towers on the Esplanade, make sure you bring a radio to experience the full effect of this spirit-filled production. Bring a blanket or chair. For information, visit Boston’s Fourth of July Web site.
       
       
ANNAPOLIS, MD.
Terrorists couldn’t stop New York, and the world’s largest fireworks display, Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks, will go on over the East River as usual.

       The Annual Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks will include a parade through downtown Annapolis and to the United States Naval Academy. The United States Naval Academy Band will play between the end of the parade and the beginning of the fireworks. More information is available at the Annapolis Web site.

       
BALTIMORE
       The 6th annual Big Kaboom! will be held on July 4 at the American Visionary Art Museum. Events include a pet parade, pie-eating contest, access to the museum and zydeco music.
     
 
PHILADELPHIA
       Sunoco Welcome America! is a weeklong festival to be held June 28-July 7 and offers a string of patriotic events including the awarding of the Philadelphia Liberty Medal to Colin Powell, the Pennsylvania Memories parade, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and much more.
       

NEW YORK CITY
       Terrorists couldn’t stop New York, and the world’s largest fireworks display, Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks, will go on over the East River as usual. The event starts at 9 p.m. and features 20,000 aerial shells and special effects. This year’s theme is “A Time For Heroes.”

       Summerstage in Central Park will feature Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe at 3 p.m.

       
WASHINGTON, D.C.
       Fireworks on the Capitol Mall are a highlight of the event, of course, but first the National Independence Day Parade marches down Constitution Avenue beginning at noon. The National Symphony Orchestra will perform a concert dubbed “A Capitol Fourth,” and fireworks begin around 9 p.m.
       The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is bigger than ever this year. It all but recreates the Silk Road, the ancient trading route, with dance, music, and demonstrations of everything from yurt building to throat singing. The festival takes place July 3-7 on the National Mall. More than 300 artists from 20 nations are participating. Visit the Smithsonian Web site for details.
         
       
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
       In summer in Alaska, it doesn’t really get dark enough for fireworks to have the effect they have in winter, but they’ll go off at midnight anyway.

       The eighth annual Veteran’s Memorial Flagpole Commemoration, July 4 at the flagpole on the Delaney Park Strip. For information, call (907) 786-4740. Reading of the Declaration of Independence at 1 p.m., display of colonial flags, a children’s choir will perform. In summer in Alaska, it doesn’t really get dark enough for fireworks to have the effect they have in winter, but they’ll go off at midnight anyway.

       Mount Marathon Race and celebration is scheduled for July 4. There’s both a men’s and a women’s race with 300 entrants each, plus a junior race featuring 200 entrants. The grueling 3 1/4 mile race goes up a 3,022 foot mountain and back down. Other festivities include games, parade, fireworks, and more. Sponsored by the Seward Chamber of Commerce, 907- 224-8051.
 
     
JUNEAU, ALASKA
       A fireworks display is scheduled over the Gastineau Channel, starting at 11:59 p.m. on July 3. The July 4 parade begins at 11 a.m., and the theme — probably an easy choice this year — is “United We Stand”. Other events include a sand castle building contest and dog-Frisbee contests. For more information, visit the Web site of the or parade committee.
 
     
NOME, ALASKA
       Street games for all ages including foot races, runny-sack races, shoe scrambles and egg races. Winners receive prize money from the Nome City Council. Free ice cream and a parade. For more information, call the Nome City Clerk, (907) 443-6611.
       

PORTLAND, ORE.
       Waterfront Blues Festival at Tom McCall Waterfront Park is scheduled for July 3-7. Headliners include: Michelle Shocked, Ike Turner, Gatemouth Brown, John Mayall and W.C. Clark. For ticket information, visit the festival's Web site.
       
In Molalla, Ore., the Molalla Buckeroo Rodeo is a five-day event that ends on July 4. The show features an Indian wild horse race, bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and bull riding. The Molalla Buckeroo Queen is a highlight of the parade. There's also a kids' parade, barbecues and a cowboy breakfast. For information, call (503) 829-8388 or visit the Web site.

       Portland's Farmers Market. Admission is free. For information, call (503) 241-0032 or visit the Web site.
 
     
SEATTLE
       The AT&T Family Fourth at Gas Works Park on the north end of Lake Union is home to a free, day-long celebration of kids' activities, food and sports before the fireworks begin, courtesy of AT&T. Or tune into KING 5 Television at 10 p.m. to see a live broadcast of the fireworks and coverage from the celebration at Gas Works Park before and after the fireworks. The natural amphitheater that surrounds Lake Union makes almost any hillside a perfect place to watch the fireworks explode high above Lake Union. For more information, call (206) 281-7788 or visit the Family Fourth Web site.

       Jul-Ivar's Festival and Fireworks, sponsored by Ivar's, located at Myrtle Edwards Park on the Seattle waterfront, features live music, an air parade, and a blazing pyrotechnical performance. The fireworks show will begin at about 10 p.m. For information, visit the Ivar's Web site.
         
       
SACRAMENTO, CALIF.
Two New York Port Authority officers and a rear admiral from the Pentagon will be special guests at the Huntington Beach, Calif. event.

     Fourth of July Extravaganza at the Grandstands Cal Expo, Capital City Freeway and Exposition Blvd.. Admission is free, parking is $6. There are a limited number of seats that can be reserved for $8. For more information, call (916) 263-3000 or check www.bigfun.org.

       
SAN FRANCISCO
       The City of San Francisco's Waterfront Festival is scheduled for July 4 at Fisherman's Wharf. A day-long event featuring the West Coast's largest display of fireworks, live entertainment, food, arts and crafts. Fireworks begin around 9 p.m. Entertainment includes plenty of live music, comedy, juggling and puppet shows. Those who want to view the fireworks from the water should look into numerous cruise options as described on the Fisherman's Wharf Web site.
       

LOS ANGELES AREA
       Huntington Beach celebrates with its annual parade, themed "Huntington Beach Celebrates the Spirit of America," and a fireworks display at the Huntington Beach High School football stadium. Pre-show entertainment starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $6, children under 2 -- free. There's also the annual Surf City 5K run and a pancake breakfast at Lake Park, 6:30-10 a.m., for $5. Two New York Port Authority officers and a rear admiral from the Pentagon, all of whom were intimately involved in Sept. 11 rescue and recovery efforts, will be special guests at the event. For more information, call (714) 374-1535.

       Fourth of July Pacific Palisades 5K/10K Run starts and finishes at the Palisades Recreation Center. The 5K course is the first part of the 10K course, is relatively flat and goes through a residential area. The 10K course follows the same route, then proceeds on Sunset Boulevard up a steep one-mile climb through Will Rogers State Historic Park, then back down to Sunset Boulevard returning to the Recreation Center.
 
     
SAN DIEGO
       Coronado's 54th annual Independence Day Parade, themed "America's People," is scheduled to start at 10 a.m., at Orange Avenue and First Street. U.S. Navy air/sea demonstrations at 2:30 p.m. at Glorietta Bay area; the Concert in the Park is at 4:30 p.m. at Spreckles Park and there will be fireworks over Glorietta Bay at 9 p.m. Other events include a 15K run, a rough-water swim, and an art sale. For information, call (619) 437-8788.

       Temecula Family Fun Fest and Fourth of July Extravaganza, with live music and food, will take place at Temecula Sports Park, Rancho Vista Road, noon-9 p.m. The parade, to start at 10 a.m. in Old Town Temecula, features classic cars, miniature horses, fire trucks and marching bands. Fireworks at 9 p.m. For information, call (909) 694-6480.
       
       
PHOENIX
       The Fabulous Phoenix Fourth at the State Capitol on 17th Avenue and Washington Street is the largest one-day festival in Arizona. This year’s theme is “Celebration of Heroes.” The largest fireworks display in the Southwest will take place above Arizona’s Capitol building. The event features three stages of live music, including one for kids; a new water play zone, 15 rides in Kids World, 40 food vendors and more. Admission is free, and the Arizona Diamondbacks will offer a free shuttle to the event. For more information, call (602) 534-FEST.
       

SANTA FE, N.M.
       Pancake Breakfast on the Plaza, sponsored by United Way. An annual event that brings the whole town together in the historic center of town. Runs from 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. For information, call (505) 982-2002.
       

AMARILLO, TEXAS
       Amarillo’s 61st annual Range Rider Rodeo is scheduled for July 3-6 at the Will Rogers Memorial Arena along Amarillo Boulevard. Local cowboys and cowgirls will participate in this action-packed rodeo, which is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. each night. For more information and tickets, call (806) 355-2212.

       July 4 Fireworks, sponsored by the Amarillo Globe-News, are scheduled for July 4 at Amarillo’s Ross Rogers Golf Course. The event is the largest fireworks display in the Texas Panhandle, and the pyrotechnics are synchronized to music on KGNC-AM (710 AM) and KGNC-FM (97.1 FM).
       

AUSTIN, TEXAS
       Austin Symphony’s July 4 Spectacular at Zilker Park. Concert is scheduled for 8:30 p.m, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. All events are free. The concert will feature patriotic music and the 1812 Overture — the latter punctuated by 75-millimeter Howitzer cannons courtesy of Texas National Guard Salute Battery and a spectacular fireworks show over Town Lake. Come early, bring a picnic, claim a grassy spot and enjoy the music. Concessions will be available on site. For more information, call the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 926-2282 or contact the symphony at 512-476-6064 or 1-888-4-MAESTRO or visit their Web site.
       

DALLAS
       An old fashioned Fourth of July celebration is planned at Dallas’ Old City Park, with an all-join-in-parade, pony rides, a petting farm, face painting, and a stick horse rodeo. Pie-eating and watermelon-seed spitting contests will also be held, and live entertainment will be offered. Information can be found online at the park’s Web site.
       

HOUSTON
       The BP Power of Freedom Festival is Houston’s largest July 4th fireworks spectacular. Along with the fireworks, the event includes a performance by The Doobie Brothers, 4 stages of live music, aerial exhibitions, food and more. The event is held in Eleanor Tinsley Park at Buffalo Bayou. Call 713-522-9723 for more information.

       Foley’s and the 4th Fireworks Extravaganza will be held at Sam Houston Race Park. Gates open at 3:30 p.m., and the first American Quarter Horse race is at 5 p.m. There will be two live bands, children’s activities, pony rides, a rock climbing wall, giant slide and more. The fireworks show will follow live racing at about 9 p.m. Call 281-807-8754 for information.

       The 27th annual Fourth of July Fireworks extravaganza will take place over Clear Lake on July 4. The fireworks display begins at 9 p.m., and fireworks will be shot from a barge anchored at mid-lake. Radio station KILT FM 100.3 coordinates patriotic music to the pyrotechnic display. For more information, check www.clearlakearea.com or call 281-488-7676.
       
       
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.
       While the Colorado fires have forced the Colorado Springs event organizers to eliminate fireworks, a laser light show, with integrated patriotic music, will dazzle the crowds.

     Fabulous Fourth on July 4 at Colorado Springs Memorial Park. While the Colorado fires have forced the event to eliminate fireworks, instead a laser light show, with integrated patriotic music, will dazzle the crowds. The Colorado Springs Symphony will play at 8 p.m., and the event also includes other music, craft vendors, dozens of food booths and a kids’ zone. Admission is free. For more information, call (719) 633-4611.
     
 
DENVER
       Cherry Creek Arts Festival is scheduled for July 5-7 at Cherry Creek North. All 200 of the participating artists are selected by a jury and represent many forms of media from photography to jewelry making. Entertainment of music and dance can be found on several stages and a series of booths from Denver’s top restaurants offer a variety of signature dishes. For more information, call (303) 355-2787 or visit Cherry Arts organization.
 
     
CHICAGO
       Taste of Chicago pays tribute to the City of New York with its annual food festival, this year themed “A Taste of New York.” Taste of Chicago runs through July 7, and includes performances by six of Broadway’s hottest contemporary singers. There will be plenty of food and beverages, of course, as well as live music, games for kids, a 90-foot-tall Ferris wheel and more. It all happens in downtown Chicago’s Grant Park. Check the city’s Web site for details.
       

INDIANAPOLIS
       The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will play its Symphony on the Prairie series July 3-6. Fireworks will explode July 4 off the roof of Union Planters Bank downtown, and the President Benjamin Harrison Home will hold its Fourth of July Ice-Cream Social (adults $10, students $5).
       

MINNEAPOLIS
       American Family 4th of July event will include live music, games for kids, hay rides, a parade and fireworks. All will be held on July 4 on Historic Main Street near St. Anthony Main and the Stone Arch Bridge. Call 612-673-5123 for information.
       

ST. PAUL, MINN.
       Taste of Minnesota will again sprawl over the State Capitol Mall July 3-5. It’s the 20th anniversary of the Festival, and its last year in this location, which will move to the Mississippi riverfront in downtown St. Paul in 2003. Live music includes concerts by Earth Wind & Fire, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Blondie, the Guess Who and Bob Mould. Admission is free, but you’ll want to bring money for the food booths and games. Visitors can also pay respects at the World Trade Center Traveling Memorial. For more information, check the Taste of Minnesota Web site.
       

ST. LOUIS
       Fair Saint Louis runs July 4, 6 and 7 at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (Gateway Arch Grounds.) The annual fair celebrates America’s birthday with concerts, air shows, amusement rides, ethnic foods and entertainers under the Gateway Arch along the Mississippi River. Fireworks under the Arch each evening. For more information, visit the Web site.
       

O’FALLON, MO.
       O’Fallon Heritage and Freedom Fest. O’Fallon’s annual Fourth of July celebration will include the Village People, Don McLean, The Patt Holt Singers, Delicious Fishes, robots, balloon-blowing goats, magicians, jugglers and wild alligators. Fireworks both nights. Event is held July 3-4 at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex.

       
MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL, S.D.
       The Independence Day celebration is to start on 1 p.m. on July 3 at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Because of fire danger, the fireworks display has been cancelled, but plenty of other activities will be offered. The United States Air Force Heartland of America Band will perform, as will other musical groups and performers. Events will include a special tribute to firefighters. For more information, call Mount Rushmore National Memorial at (605) 574-2523 or visit the National Park Service Web site.
        
             
ATLANTA
       Centennial Olympic Park hosts the largest fireworks display in the Southeast. At 1 p.m., the “Salute 2 America” parade winds through downtown Atlanta. Kids can help create a patriotic mural or watch entertainers at the Children’s Plaza. Live music abounds at two stages, and the fireworks go off around 9:30 p.m.
       

NEW ORLEANS
       Star Spangled Celebration ’02 is themed “A Tribute to America.” Festivities at the all-day event include tours of the historic destroyer and naval museum the USS KIDD, live music and food. Usually, the celebrations includes an aerial reenactment of World War II aircraft attack on the KIDD, but this year, with the terrorist attack fresh in memory, that’s been changed. Instead there will be a fly-by of F-15 Eagle jet fighters from the Louisiana Air National Guard, followed by several World War II vintage aircraft and a performance by the Professional Exhibition Skydiving Team. The USS KIDD will fire a 13-gun salute, honoring the 13 original colonies. The evening ends with a fireworks display over the Mississippi River. For more information, call (225) 342-1942 or visit the USS KIDD Web site.
       
MIAMI
       America’s Birthday Bash will be held in downtown Miami’s Bayfront Park. The July 4 event includes live music, food and beverages, arts and crafts, a laser lightshow, and, of course, fireworks a fireworks display. Call 305-358-7550 for information.

       The Florida Philharmonic will offer a free Fourth of July Concert on Miami Beach. Music begins at 8 p.m., and ends with fireworks accompanying Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.

       4th of July Arts & Crafts Expo
        
       
HONOLULU
       The 4th of July Arts & Crafts Expo will be held July 6-7 at Ala Moana Center. Over 30 to 40 exhibitors will be featured as well as live entertainment.

Compiled by MSNBC’s Gael Fashingbauer Cooper.
http://www.msnbc.com/news/771666.asp