Independence Day

FREEDOM FIRE WORKS

Check out how these cities are celebration America’s 231 Birthday

BY JEREMY DILLAHUNT

PHILADELPHIA
While Philly is known for its historical contributions to the country, like the Liberty Bell and the Continental Congress, some may not realize that the city was also host to the first-ever Fourth of July celebration. One year aft er completing the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, the city celebrated the anniversary with bonfires, bells and fireworks—and an American tradition was born. Today, it is honoredwith the Sunoco Welcome America festival, a weeklong extravaganza of concerts, movies, barbecues, salsa lessons, family activities, parades, fireworks and more. Kids will go gaga over the Super Scooper All-You- Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival, and if you have a hearty appetite, try your chops at the Hoagie Eating Contest.
www.americasbirthday.com

NEW YORK CITY
If you thought the famous Manhattan skyline couldn’t get more impressive, you haven’t witnessed Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks. With more than 120,000 dazzling explosions climbing 1,000 feet into the air, this is the nation’s biggest and arguably best pyrotechnic event. What’s more, the 45-minute-long spectacle is conducted from three barges along the East River as a synchronized soundtrack plays over local radio stations and serenades onlookers. A mere $18 buys you the best view in town, plus live music and entertainment for the kids, at The Roosevelt Island 4th Of July Fireworks Festival on the East River. Grab a burger or hot dog from the food court, then kick back in a chair (provided for all ticket holders) and enjoy the magic.
www.roosevelt-island.ny.us

SEATTLE
Seattle boasts two glittering attractions, both sponsored by homegrown companies. The WaMu Family Fourth anchors a barge off of Gas Works Park at the edge of expansive Lake Union (www.familyfourth.org). For a birds-eye view of the show, hike up to the top of the hill in the abandoned gas refinery. (There’s enough room for several thousand spectators.) On the ocean side, the local restaurant establishment Ivar’s Seafood hosts Seattle’s longest-running display: Fourth of Jul-Ivars in Elliot Bay (www.ivars.net). Famous for clam strips and fireworks, Ivars’ has been known to push the envelope and order state-of-the-art cannons that shoot rockets 1,600 feet into the air. There’s not a bad seat on the bay.

WASHINGTON, DC
The nation’s capital paints the town red, white and blue for A Capital Fourth, its annual celebration on the National Mall. Thousands of mini American flags wave as the procession of marching bands, floats, military units, giant balloons, equestrians, drill teams, celebrities and VIPs makes its way down Constitution Avenue and past the historic monuments. This year’s Smithsonian Folklife Festival (June 27-July 1 and July 4-8) honors the cultural traditions of the Mekong River, Northern Ireland and the roots of Virginia with music, dance performances, craft s and mouthwatering demonstrations from acclaimed chefs. Come evening, everyone heads to the Capitol Building for the PBS Concert featuring the National Symphony Orchestra and one of the largest fireworks displays in the country. The best place to watch may well be the reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial. If you stand in the right spot, you can see the fireworks both above and below you.
www.july4thparade.com

BOSTON
The cradle of the American Revolution fully embraces its colonial and maritime heritage in the lead up to Independence Day. From June 28 to July 4, the awardwinning Boston Harborfest celebrates the past, present and future with concerts, historical tours, reenactments and more. With more than 200 events concentrated in the historic downtown and waterfront districts, there’s plenty for the whole family to see and do. For a real taste of New England, head to Chowderfest, located on Boston’s City Hall Plaza, where restaurants from all around Boston compete for “Boston’s Best Chowder” title. Two thousand gallons of the signature dish is ladled out to more than 11,000 enthusiastic chowder-hounds.
www.bostonharborfest.com

NEW ORLEANS
The culturally rich Crescent City is the ultimate place to experience this patriotic holiday. Named one of the “must see” fireworks displays in the US by the American Pyrotechnic Association, the Go 4th on the River festival attracts thousands of fun-seekers. Groove to the sounds of local and national musical acts, sample delicious Louisiana specialties like gumbo and beignets, and marvel as the Dueling Barges Fireworks Extravaganza lights up the night sky over the mighty Mississippi.
www.go4thontheriver.com

CHICAGO
Although the Windy City boasts two stunning fireworks displays, the top draw may well be the famous Taste of Chicago festival in Grant Park. From June 29 to July 8, 70 of Chicago’s most popular restaurants and food vendors dish up local and ethnic-inspired fare—from deep-dish pizza to goat biryani—to more than three million hungry Chicagoans and tourists. When you’ve had your fill, head to Dock Street to take in the Macy’s Independence Eve Fireworks Spectacular on July 3 and the first-rate Navy Pier Fourth of July show.
www.tasteofchicago.us

The heart of San Francisco’s civic attraction is Fisherman’s Wharf, a pedestrian mall that hosts many attractions, including the Waterfront Festival, a fireworks and concert extravaganza. The piers create a horseshoe-shaped seating area, and docked barges shoot fireworks into the night sky. For a truly breathtaking view, catch the show from the water via the Red & White Ferry (www.redandwhite.com).
www.4thofjulysf.com

FUN 4TH FACTS!

69% Percentage of Americans who are likely to watch fireworks on July 4th

150 MILLION Number of hot dogs consumed by Americans on July 4th

2.5 MILLION Number of people living in the colonies in July, 1776

300 MILLION US population on July 4, 2006

59% Percentage of Americans who will enjoy a cookout on July 4th