July 4th - Independence Day USA

Bet You Didn't Know: Independence Day! Did you know New York City has the biggest fireworks display in the United States and that three U.S. presidents died on July 4? Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day , July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83).

In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. History Channel.com

This American Holiday page from USA.gov has links to a plethora of facts related to celebrating the Fourth ! "On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, starting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country." Independence Day. Link to information about hotdogs, fireworks, flags, historical documents, demographics, & more fun facts !

From PBS, Fireworks the companion Web site to the Nova program originally broadcast on January 29, 2002. This explosive NOVA presents the colorful history of pyrotechnics and reveals how hi-tech firing systems are transforming public displays into a dazzling, split-second science.

July 4, 1776 - An Unseasonably Mild Day in Philadelphia . . . Thomas Jefferson, one of the country`s founding fathers and its third president, kept an extensive weather journal throughout his life. In his journal entry for July 4, 1776, he observed a 68 degree temperature at 6 a.m., 72 degree reading at 9 a.m. and a 76 degree reading at 1 p.m. read more at Weatherbug's Weather News.

Join us on July 4 at Tom Brown Park for Celebrate America, Tallahassee's annual Independence Day celebration. Filled with food vendors, arts/crafts, exhibitors and more, this is sure to be a great event for the whole family! City of Tallahassee, Florida's Capitol City.

Fourth of July Celebration July 4th - July 6th Suwannee Music Park - 3076 95th Drive, Live Oak, Florida 32060. A Holiday Celebration organized by Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. We will have fine art, fine craft and crafts exhibitors, and no food booths. There will be 1 stage with Regional and Local talent and the following music, Rock, Folk, Country, Jazz, Bluegrass, R & B, Alternative and Variety. This event will also include: kids' games, hiking, canoeing, horseback riding.