by Ann-Katherine Souilliard

Created on: May 20, 2008   Last Updated: June 06, 2008

As the birthday of our nation, the Fourth of July is celebrated on a grand scale virtually everywhere in the country. Some of the grandest of course occur in the big cities on both coasts, but some of the most memorable occur in small out of the way places. Let's take a whirlwind tour of some of the best.

One of the longest celebrations on the East Coast takes place in Philadelphia, PA. Independence Day has special significance for the City of Brotherly Love so they don't just celebrate it for a day, they give it an entire week. There are historical events such as the reading of the Declaration of Independence on the steps of Independence Hall, a party at Penns Landing on the weekend closest to the Fourth, family-friendly events at various places around the city. The week culminates with a parade and all day party on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The party ends with a free concert from the steps of the Art Museum that finishes with the Philly Pops playing during a spectacular fireworks display. In many people's opinion (mine included), if you are going to travel for the Fourth then Philadelphia is the place to travel to.

As another major player in the Revolutionary War, Boston also gives the birthday of our country a week long celebration. Called Harborfest, it centers around Boston Harbor and the historic events that took place there. It includes such fun events as being part of a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party, and taking a tour of the waterfront from a pirate's point of view. The night of the Fourth there is the famous Boston Pops concert on the banks of the Charles River.

There are fantastic and elaborate celebrations in most major cities, but not everyone lives in a big city or has the time and money to travel to one for the Fourth of July. Small towns often put on just as good a show and often throw more unique celebrations. Naperville, IL hosts a week long Ribfest that features nationally know musical acts. Bethany Bay, DE hosts a parade that includes more than a thousand children riding bicycles they decorate that day. Nearly every city and town in this country has a great day of festivities planned for the Fourth of July so do some research, find a great place near you and enjoy yourself this year on Independence Day.

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