Since the pandemic, lots of America’s most significant events have been on hold because of covid restrictions. This year, though, they're back and are expected to be just as big and loud as they used to.
For the best Fourth of July in 2022, here are eight events to attend:
1. Bristol 4th of July
Bristol, Rhode Island, is often regarded as ‘America’s most patriotic town’; unsurprisingly, this town has one of the oldest Fourth of July celebrations in American history. Starting June 14th this year, they're holding lots of events: parades as long as 2.5 miles, fireworks, and even a ball at Herreshoff Marine Museum.
2. Wawa Welcome America
This year’s edition is the 29th of the Philadelphia annual Independence celebration. Starting on the 19th of June, in honour of Juneteenth, there’ll be up to 50 events happening all over the city — and they're all free. The concert on the 4th, Hoagie Day, will feature performances from pop artists like Bebe Rhexa and Flo Rida with a light show: Fireworks Spectacular, which will be broadcast live.
3. National Tom Sawyer Days
For a more remarkable experience for people of any age, head to Hannibal in Missouri for a four-day festival. From the 1st to the 4th of July, there will be fireworks, contests, a carnival and a parade. The celebration is so-themed because the town is the basis of the fictional one in Mark Twain’s famous book: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
Find out more about the event here.
4. Boston Harborfest
This four-day festival is one of the biggest Fourth of July celebrations in the country. Starting from the 1st of July, there’ll be events like wreath-laying, reading of the Declaration of Independence, a parade and fireworks by the third day.
5. Nathan’s Famous Hotdog Eating Contest
In celebration of the American culture of indulgence is this hundred-year Fourth of July contest in Coney Island. While regular tradition is to gather at Surf and Stillwell Avenues, the event will be held at Maimonides Park this year. The tickets are free, and you can watch people attempt to break world records.
6. A Gettysburg Fourth
By watching the Battle of Gettysburg reenactments at this event, you get a good dose of historical drama for education as well as entertainment. Then, at 6 PM at Gettysburg Rec Park, the fireworks start, accompanied by food trucks and more exciting performances.
7. Lights of Freedom
Colonial Williamsburg is the largest outdoor educational living museum in the US. Here, on the Duke of Gloucester street, Independence Day is celebrated with live musical performances after reading the Declaration of Independence from the courthouse steps. The day's highlight will then be the Lights of Freedom fireworks display, wonderfully complemented by the 18th-century backdrop.
8. NPS Annual Fourth of July
This annual show typically lasts all of 20 minutes, during which the different branches of the military do a flyover, and there’s a Salute to America. The firework shows illuminate the sky above the National Mall and both sides of the Lincoln Memorial with an impressive light show. Go to the National Park Service website for more information.
