(Compiled from Internet reports)
No matter where you are in the U. S. on the evening of July 4, all you have to do is look up and you will see huge explosions of colors filling the night sky.
America is in love with Fourth of July fireworks displays and tens of thousands of cities, towns, businesses, etc., will be going all out to light up the night sky with dazzling displays.
One of the most important holidays in the USA calendar, Independence day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 which declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Most cities in the USA celebrate July 4th with parades, carnivals, fairs and concerts ending with spectacular firework displays.
Competition is heating up between New York and Nashville, Tenn., as both cities vie to have the largest fireworks display in the USA.
“Our goal is to have the largest fireworks show in the country,” said Butch Spyridon, CEO of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp.
The Macy’s fireworks show in New York has long been recognized as the largest in the USA and even Spryidon called it the “gold standard.” However, this year Spryidon said Nashville is ready to outshine the Big Apple.
“It is not an exact science, but we got a rough idea of how many shells New York had so we told our supplier to make sure he had more shells than New York this year,” Spyridon said.
Macy’s fireworks show will have 54,000 shells, the company’s spokesman Orlando Veras said. Spryidon would not disclose the exact amount in Nashville, but said it would be more than 54,000.
Spryidon said trying to beat New York is not something the city can afford to do every year, but he wanted to do it this time to celebrate Nashville’s recovery from the city’s major flood in 2010. Tourism has been up in the area for the last 55 months in a row, he said.
“It’s a way to thank our visitors and thank America on its birthday. It’s a part of acknowledging how fortunate we have been. But all in good fun,” he said.
Even if both cities disclose the exact amount, it would be difficult to ever really know which show is the largest, according to Julie Heckman, the executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association.
“They’re both going to be phenomenal and I would say they both are (among) the largest shows in the country, but there could be some little sleeper show out there that we’re not hearing about,” Heckman said.
Another Tennessee city, Knoxville, also has a huge annual July 4 festival and fireworks display.
There are more than 14,000 shows around the country on July 4th.
Here is a selection of several other major 4th of July celebrations in the U.S. that have been recognized by Top Events USA
Atlantic City’s show has two parts, making it one of the longest in the country. The first 22-minute show over the Marina is followed by a 24-minute display along the beach and boardwalk. With 200,000 attendees, it’s important to get to the beach early to claim a spot. And, those from out of town should make those reservations fast – the city will be jam-packed this weekend.
Addison, Texas 30-minute show is a three-decade old tradition that attracts a good 500,000 viewers. The fireworks can be seen from anywhere in Addison, including the city’s 170 restaurants, which broadcast the show. The show itself takes place in Addison Circle Park and begins with an air show by the Addison Airport. Parking spaces, however, may be impossible to find – the best way to go is to park in a nearby town and walk.
Boston’s show is easily one of the most well known, and, at $2.5 million for the entire show, one of the most expensive. Over 20,000 pounds of fireworks are set off during the 21-minute spectacle as 500,000 revelers “ohh” and “ahh.” The fireworks are shot over the Charles River, so both Harvard and Longfellow bridges offer unobstructed views. The riverbank tends to get crowded, so bring a blanket and stake out a spot early.
The 20-minute Washington, D. C., show on the National Mall shoots 66,000 pounds of fireworks for its 500,000 visitors. The fireworks begin after 9 p.m., following a parade, and are set to a soundtrack by The National Symphony Orchestra. To sit on the Mall, be prepared to go through a security checkpoint where all bags and coolers are examined. It’s worth it, though – the base of the Lincoln Memorial is a beautiful place to watch the show.
Lake Tahoe receives around 100,000 visitors every year for its 23-minute show of 5,000 fireworks, which are shot from a barge in the middle of the lake. Watch the show, which starts at 9:45 p.m., from the shore, from docks, or even from a paddleboat on the lake.
Philadelphia’s 15-minute show, which follows a full week of celebrations that costs the city up to $2.1 million, attracts 500,000 viewers every year. The fireworks are launched over the Museum of Art and generally start around 10:30 p.m. Live shows – headlined this year by The Roots and featuring acts such as Earth Wind & Fire and Sara Bareilles – will be starting at 5 p.m., so settle in early. Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Lemon Hill offer great viewing locations.
The San Francisco 21-minute show expects a good 600,000 attendees every year, so make sure to get there on time – it starts at 9:30 p.m. The fireworks are launched from the foot of the Municipal Pier and off barges just north of Pier 39. When the show is over, go dancing – live entertainment is offered in the Pier 39 Entrance Plaza. Also, say hi to the sea lions.
Seattle’s Family 4th Celebration was almost cancelled in 2010 after its main sponsor, Washington Mutual, collapsed, the community rose to the occasion and raised enough $500,000 needed to put on the show. This year, they did it again. The 21-minute show attracts around 50,000 people and shoots 10,000 fireworks in Gas Works Park. The park offers a wide array of seating locations as well as concerts and games.
Fair St. Louis attracts half a million viewers every year for a 20-minute show that some compare to a 3-D laser show because of how the fireworks reflect off the stainless steel legs of the Gateway Arch. The show starts around 9 p.m. and the area around the arch fills up quickly, but the intense experience is worth it.
In Colorado, Aurora draws 100,000 visitors for its 25-minute show, which starts around 9:30 p.m. The fireworks are launched on the Aurora Municipal Center lawn, about a 20 minute drive from Denver. The best places to watch are east of Potomac Street, south of Sixth Avenue, and north of Mississippi Avenue. Parking can be found at the Town Center at Aurora, Aurora City Place, and Community College of Aurora.
Charlotte’s show is small but intense – the city spends $50,000 in 20 minutes, attracting 300,000 viewers every year. The show takes place in Memorial Stadium and includes live music and family-fun activities. The fireworks blast off at 9:30 p.m.
New Orleans gets about 200,000 viewers every year for its 13-minute spectacular, which shoots off approximately 3,000 fireworks from two battling barges. The show begins around 9 p.m. Take in the show from a restaurant along the river or just grab a seat near a levy.
In Hawaii, the Turtle Bay Resort’s 10-minute firework show may be small, but it packs a punch – the beautiful resort attracts around 2,500 visitors every year and spends $21,000 on its elaborate show.
In Houston, the Mayor’s Official 4th of July Celebration has been a six hour event of festivities and tradition in Houston for decades. Located in the newly renovated Eleanor Tinsley Park on Buffalo Bayou, it has become Houston’s signature annual Independence Day celebration and attracts nationally recognized recording artists as well as regional and local talent. The event culminates with a Texas-size concert featuring a national recording artist and one of the largest fireworks displays in the USA.
Everyone celebrating Independence Day in Columbus, Ohio, gather downtown on the riverfront for the Red, White, and Boom! event that is recognized as offering the Midwest’s largest fireworks display. The fun of the event begins in the early afternoon with several different concerts at various locations and then the Ohio National Guard flyover and Independence Day Parade at 6 p.m., followed by the fireworks display at 10 p.m., after which various entertainment venues reopen and carry on.
In Virginia, one of the best family events of the year, the Stars & Stripes Explosion event at the Virginia Beach oceanfront attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year and offers great music including the crowd’s patriotic and classical favorites performed by the Virginia Beach Symphony Orchestra and the Virginia Beach Chorale followed by an amazing firework display over the ocean.
In Iowa, over 400,000 participants every year visit the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival, a popular event for more than 28 years with a variety of attractions including classic rock concert nights and a patriotic pops concert night, balloon events and all sorts of foods, concluding with the Celebration of Freedom Fireworks on July 4th.
Held at the city’s Metropolitan Park, the Jacksonville 4th of July celebrations include a free concert featuring national recording artists and concludes with Skyblast, the First Coast’s spectacular 4th of July fireworks display over the St Johns River. The fun continues at Jacksonville Landing when the park closes, with open restaurants and live music at the pubs.
In Hollywood, thousands of people flock to the famous Hollywood Bowl to celebrates the 4th of July, the day that is largely considered to be the country’s birthday, and enjoy a traditional and moving concert of patriotic and inspiring music followed by the equally traditional blast of fireworks over the hills of Hollywood.
In Fort Lauderdale, a whole day of free activities from orchestra concerts, live bands, family beach games and other activities to celebrate America’s independence conclude with a magnificent fireworks display off Fort Lauderdale beach along A1A and Las Olas Boulevard. Nearby Miami also has a big event. There are many wonderful, different events celebrating the 4th July in and around Miami – the biggest of which is the annual Fourth of July patriotic celebration of music and fireworks at Miami Beach. The event is free and open to the public.
