Top 10 places to celebrate Independence Day

Independence Day is a time to celebrate so, even with cancelations or adjustments to slow the spread of COVID-19, there is still much to look forward to.

Here are 10 places in the country celebrating Independence Day, some of which you can join in from a distance.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

America’s first Independence Day was marked in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, with bonfires, bells and fireworks. Fittingly, the city’s annual commemoration is enormous and, although this year’s events will be scaled down, you can join the celebration, with a concert that will be broadcast online.

Boston, Massachusetts

The annual Boston Pops concert is “one of this country’s largest and oldest public Fourth-of-July events and one of the biggest annual outdoor concerts anywhere in the world,” according to the orchestra’s website. This year, you can watch a broadcast of “Boston Pops Salute to Our Heroes,” which will celebrate the nation and honor COVID-19 frontline workers and those who have died.

New York City, New York

For fans of competitive eating, Coney Island’s Independence Day celebration features Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest. The resort’s opening date has been delayed, so stay tuned for updates.

Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital has traditionally gone all out for Independence Day and is expected to host a celebration on the National Mall, along with activities at Frederick Douglass’s Cedar Hill estate in Anacostia, according to the National Park Service.

Yorktown, Virginia

The Liberty Celebration at the American Revolution Museum will mark the holiday by offering visitors the chance to “enjoy interpretive programs, artillery demonstrations and learn about the challenges that faced our nation’s founders, including those who signed the Declaration of Independence,” according to the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation.

Chicago, Illinois

While Navy Pier usually puts on a fireworks show, this year it has free concerts every weekend. The weekend of July 4, you can enjoy a Sye Young performance and return the next day for the weekly Live on the Lake concert.

New Orleans, Louisiana

The celebration on the banks of the Mississippi, Go 4th on the River, has been canceled but is expected to come back for its 30th anniversary in 2021. The good news is that the Essence Festival, which celebrates African American music, beauty, health, and entrepreneurship every July 4 weekend in the city, will be held online this year.

Provo, Utah

America’s Freedom Festival is “one of America’s biggest and best patriotic celebrations, drawing in hundreds of thousands of spectators every year from all 50 states and other nations,” according to the organization’s website. Although many events have been canceled, the fireworks show will go on, viewable from a distance.

Addison, Texas

Considered among the top fireworks shows in the country, the Addison Kaboom Town! fireworks show is scheduled for July 3 and will be “bigger and better than ever before with almost 30% more shells,” according to the show’s website. It will be visible throughout the city and live streamed on social media.

Tacoma, Washington

The state’s biggest Independence Day celebration has been revamped into T-Town Family 4th. It’s been delayed instead of canceled, so you can look forward to the community celebration when it is safe to gather.

Sanderson Ford wants the community to have a safe and fun Independence Day. If you are in the market for a new or used vehicle, you can shop online, buy from home, and have your vehicle delivered. Visit SandersonFord.com for more information and to get started.