Happy 4th of July from the doctors and staff at Michel’s & Gauquie Cosmetic and Family Dentistry who want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday weekend and remember to enjoy the warm weather, barbeques and fireworks.

“It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion… It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States.”John Adams in his 1776 letter to his wife Abigail Adams on how to celebrate the Fourth of July.

July 4th known as Fourth of July or Independence Day is a federal holiday that began in 1941. The tradition of Independence Day has its roots in history and was celebrated since the 18th century. On July 2nd the Continental Congress resolved that they would declare their independence from Great Britain. Two days later they adopted the Declaration of Independence drafted of the hand of the notable Thomas Jefferson. Since then July 4th holds a special place in the nation’s history and is celebrated as the birth of the US.

The early celebrations including bonfires, rounds of speeches and ringing bells and whistles and watching parades. They even held concerts, and fired cannons and muskets while having public readings of the Declaration of Independence.

Today it is a time to gather up the family for barbecues, firework watching, parades, concerts usually involving the American flag and the national anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner”. These are a few ways to kick of the celebration, memory, and the tradition.

Independence day is the day citizens are treated to floats, vintage cars, horses, characters, and marching bands passing by waving flags and waving around messages of inspiration and pride. Watch the demonstrations, listen to the patriotic and catchy tunes, and get some passing candy and treats. The oldest Fourth of July celebration in this form in the Fourth of July parade in Bristol, Rhode Island. To this day it still carries on the oldest tradition of delivering speeches. As one of the most elaborate celebrations Bristol has been named “America’s most patriotic town”, for good reason the event draws in 200 thousand people around the world.

One of the best times to be in the presence of family and friends, this holiday sees a spike in summertime leisure and activity. This can include homemade picnics in the park, barbecues, watermelon-eating contests, a day at the beach (with fireworks), baseball games, or football games. Whatever the activity spending it with loved ones, getting active, and eating are all on the menu. Some common and classic food to devour can include hot dogs, hamburgers (or veggie burgers) , steak, corn on a cob, good ole’ American apple pie, cole slaw, clam bakes, or a patriotic cake. Rain or shine, many people take the time to get the grill burning sometimes even inviting the whole neighborhood for a taste. A great way to build bonds with the community and celebrate independence.

LOCAL Fourth of July Celebrations :

Pitt County

  • In Greenville, the festivities start at 4:00 p.m. at the Greenville Town Common. Enjoy arts and crafts, food, and music. The fireworks are scheduled to start at 9:15 p.m.
  • In Farmville, the festivities also start at 5 p.m. Visitors and residents will enjoy vendors, food, carnival rides and music.

Beaufort County

  • In Washington, the fireworks are scheduled for 9 p.m. July 4 on the Washington waterfront.
  • Belhaven is hosting holiday festivities. The Miss Independence Pageant and a street dance are scheduled for Friday. Events are scheduled all day Saturday, including the Little Miss Independence Pageant starting at 9:00 a.m., a parade at 11:00 a.m. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:00 p.m.

Carteret County

  • The Beaufort Fourth of July parade will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 3. There will be free ice cream and music after the parade at the courthouse.
  • Emerald Isle is having fireworks July 4 over Bogue Sound at the Chapel by the Sea. The display will start at 9 p.m.
  • Atlantic Beach will hold an Independence Day celebration on July 4 at the Circle. Visitors and residents can expect a live band. Sammy O’Bannon and the Nightshift Bank will be playing from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. for fireworks.

Craven County

  • New Bern has nearly a full day of Fourth of July events, ringing of the downtown church bells at noon. Union Point Park will open at 12:30 p.m. for family activities, National Anthem at 5:45 p.m. and a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 6:15 p.m. Aerial demonstration will take place from 7:00-8:30 p.m. The fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m.

July 4th across the Country:

Maybe you’re an explorer, or a bit curious. Depending on where you go, Independent varies on each states atmosphere and culture. These make up my top two.

  • National Mall in Washington DC. A popular place to celebrate the Fourth of July. Nothing can really beat the patriotic feeling that comes from watching the fireworks go off behind the Washington Memorial. It reminds every one of the ‘rockets red glare’ line. It’s crowded with a quarter of million attending every year for the parade along Constitution Avenue and the fireworks display at night. Bonus is the National Archives that celebrate the fourth of July with family programs that showcase the history of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
  • In Hawaii there is the Turtle Independence Day at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows. It’s free and brings the whole community together to watch Hawaiian green sea turtles known as Honu (a threatened species) brought to freedom in the ocean using a traditional Hawaiian ceremony. As part of the celebration there is an educational program that explains all there is know about the Honu and a barbecue, of course to celebrate the Fourth of July classic style with the Hawaiian Island ingrown harvest.
  • Livingston 4th of July Festival and Fireworks show held in honor of men and women in the military, law enforcement, firefighters, and fighters of freedom. The proceeds of the event go toward the central Valley Honor Flight to commemorate the sacrifice the veterans made. The biggest fireworks show is held in the Memorial Park and Livingston High School on July 3-5 with a live bands, classic car shows, food, drinks, and vendors for everyone to enjoy.
  • Mammoth Lakes, California is holding a fund activities and events from July 4th to the 5th. Starting the events off with the Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast, and Footloose Freedom Mile. There is an Independence Day Parade and Fireworks at Sunset.
  • Sespe Creek Car Show & Chili Cook off. Nothing says Fourth of July like good food. Check out the vintage cars, delicious and large variety of chili, vendors, beer, and live music.
  • Napa County Fair. Holds all the live music and live entertainment you could want. As well as barbecues and wine tasting events. The annual fair boasts a great deal of activities to delight in and a stunning fireworks show to top it off.
  • Sacramento Independence Day Celebration held in Cal Expo, Miller Lite Grandstand. Music is provided by 107.9 followed by a live performance by the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West. The State Fair Mascot, poppy will be around to entertain visitors in honor of the nation’s birthday. Considering that Sacramento’s Raley Field has a reputation for being the best places to watch minor league baseball, this is sure bet.
  • Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. What better way to celebrate the nation’s birthday and beat the heat? They’re offering discounted admission for the armed forces and are partnering up Operation Home front as showing their appreciation for our military and their families. Enjoy the rides and delight in the fireworks.
  • Lake Oroville fireworks show will last about 30 minutes but the view will be spectacular over the Sierra Nevada foothills.
  • Columbia State Historic Park is putting on a pretty old fashioned Fourth of July Celebration. Visitors are treated to mid-19 century buildings that have been beautifully preserved and a parade that anyone can join in to. There’s a live concert for everyone to sing to and street dancing performances.