Why does America Celebrate Independence Day on the 4th of July?
July 4th is known as Independence Day here in the United States. It celebrates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress, a document which detailed the separation of 13 North American colonies from the rule and politics of Great Britain. The first public celebration of Independence Day was July 8th 1776 and occurred in Philadelphia Independence Square; the following year became the official celebration date in Philadelphia with the rest of the states following suit. Celebrations evolved from bell ringing and live music into the beloved bonfires and fireworks we all know and love today!
Fireworks and July 4th Celebrations on Long Island and NYC Area:
Macy’s will be hosting their annual 4th of July fireworks display this year with over 65,000 fireworks spread across 5 barges in the East River. This is their 45th year celebrating and the festivities begin at 8PM with the first lighting beginning at 9:25PM
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July 4th Jones Beach Fireworks Spectacular in Wantagh from 8PM to 11PM
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July 4th Freedom Fest from 12PM to 10PM in Ocean Bay Park
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July 4th Independence Day Celebration at Old Bethpage
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July 4th Celebration and Fireworks Spectacular from 7PM to 9PM in Port Jefferson
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July 4th LI Ducks Fireworks Spectacular at Fairfield Properties Ballpark
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July 4th Glen Cove Fireworks
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July 5th “4th of July Weekend Celebration” at Harbes Family Farm from 10AM to 6PM
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July 4th Heritage Day at 12PM at the Oysterponds Historical Society
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July 4th Independence Day at Fort Hamilton from 4PM to 9:30PM
The following NYC attractions will still be open to the public today:
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Statue of Liberty
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Empire State Building
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Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
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MoMA
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The Met
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Museum of Natural History
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NY Botanical Garden
