Monday, July 1, 2013

How Different Organizations Celebrate America's Birthday, 4th July

It’s that wonderful time of year when popsicles melt faster than they can be eaten, when swimsuits become a kid’s everyday casual clothing, and when we commemorate that moment in time when British colonists turned themselves into independent Americans.

The anniversary of the ratification by the Continental Congress of the Declaration of Independence is celebrated in many different ways by several different groups in the United States.  From families to cities to businesses, organizations of different shapes sizes find a way to enjoy the Fourth of July.  Here are a few examples of how America’s 237th birthday will be celebrated.

Backyard barbeques are a staple among some American families.  This holiday provides an opportunity for extended families to come together and enjoy each other’s company, while also enjoying each other’s side dishes.  Small fireworks displays can be seen in the backyards of those who live in climates that are not favorable to fires caused by stray sparks.

Many small towns and large cities treat their citizens to family-friendly festivities in honor of the holiday, such as parades, fairs, carnivals, and their own fireworks displays.  The city of Terre Haute, Indiana, for example, will celebrate with their annual Frontier Day Parade followed by horse shows, ceremonies, and fun and games for families.  The small town of Taylor, Arizona has a tradition that they call the Firing of the Anvil.  This activity involves two anvils stacked on top of each other with gunpowder in between.  The gunpowder is lit by a safely long torch and the top anvil flies up into the air with a deafening boom.  Starting at 5 a.m., the anvils are taken in the back of a truck all over town followed by a band made up of local musicians, stopping every once in a while to fire again and again.  Citizens follow behind to form a parade as it passes by their houses.

On a grander scale, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year with the usual program featuring an outdoor concert by the Boston Pops Orchestra followed by a huge fireworks display.  And if you visit New York City or turn the TV to the right channel, you can see the annual Macy’s fireworks show on the Hudson River.  This year is advertised to boast a 25-minute program featuring 40,000 fireworks and a musical score inspired and directed by Grammy-winning recording artist Usher.

Macy’s is also sure to celebrate this holiday, as they do with most other holidays, by advertising some sort of sale. Of course, Macy’s is not the only company that will capitalize on this opportunity.  Businesses large and small are planning to attract customers with lowered prices and great deals.  For example, the New Jersey division of Grout Works, a family-owned grouting business specializing in grout and tile, is already advertising $50 off grout cleaning and grout sealing from July 3rd to the 8th.  It’s the business world’s way of wishing the consumer a happy Independence Day.

The Declaration of Independence and its adoption by the Continental Congress led to the creation of a great country where its people can enjoy, as stated in the Declaration, the “unalienable Rights” to “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”  Families, towns, cities, and businesses all have reason to celebrate the adoption of the document that changed this country—and the world—so many years ago.


Helen Ontiveros and Madison Resare are content creators who enjoy writing about holidays, business, and grout cleaning.

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