Hang the flag, pull out the red white and blue batting, and flip a commemorative quarter. Not only is July 4th coming this weekend, it’s the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence - sort of.
On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress, representing the 13 original colonies in what would eventually become the United States, voted in favor of independence from Great Britain. Two days later, the colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, written largely by Virginia delegate Thomas Jefferson. He was assisted by John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Robert R. Livingston of New York.
The Declaration was read at the head of each brigade and it inspired the soldiers to sprint down Broadway and decapitate the statue of King George II, parading the head around town to the lilting beat of fifes and drums.
John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, that July 2 “will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival,” and that the celebration should include, “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.”
He was only a couple of days off.
Independence Day Celebrations
We don’t know exactly what caused the date shift, but Philadelphia led the way just one year later, as the City of Brotherly Love commemorated their independence on July 4, 1777 while the Revolutionary War still raged. George Washington gave his men double their usual rum rations the next year. In 1781, Massachusetts became the first state to make the Fourth of July an official state holiday. The earliest celebrations often included reading the Declaration of Independence out loud. A few years later, the Constitution was ratified by the original states and our federal government was codified.
Celebrating July 4th quickly took on political ramifications. As the 18th century progressed, two parties emerged, the Democratic-Republicans and the Federalists. Early celebrations had been about unity, but the two parties started organizing separate events in many major cities. That all changed after the War of 1812. After the U.S. won their second war for independence with Britain came the “Era of Good Feelings.”
Americans were more united than ever before, riding a wave of patriotism. The United States added Florida, the Louisiana Purchase and more. In 1870, Congress made July 4th a holiday in Washington, D.C.
Rockets Red Glare
While there are many ways to celebrate the Fourth of July, few are as specific to the holiday as fireworks. The first bombs bursting-in-air were fired by cannons. That first independence celebration in Philadelphia in 1777 included a ship’s cannon that fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies. The Pennsylvania Evening Post reported: “at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.” The Sons of Liberty also set off fireworks over Boston Common.
Now in just about every community across the nation, fireworks explode across the sky, often in amazingly intricate patterns in remembrance of those early celebrations. Additionally, people will sometimes set off their own fireworks and firecrackers, sometimes despite local laws prohibiting such use. Unfortunately, local and personal fireworks can sometimes be harmful to pets and also trigger episodes in veterans with PTSD. There is also the danger of mishandling fireworks, which led to more than 13000 emergency room visits last year.
Alternate Activities and Local Celebrations
Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation is a great time to learn about our country and its wide diversity. You can check out local landmarks, museums and landmarks. Heritage Park & Veterans Court have memorials and a replica entrance dedicated to the Venice Army Airfield. The Bidwell-Wood House was built in 1882 and relocated to Pioneer Park to save it from development. The Ca' d'Zan Mansion was built by the Ringling Family. You can also check out the Circus museum and the Venice Train Depot has a Ringling Bros circus train car.
At Nathan Benderson Park, the weekend kicks off with a boom. NBP Fireworks on the Lake on Friday, July 3 – America 250 is being presented by The Pops Orchestra. They’ll have live music from Sugar Vibe, plenty of food trucks and a Kids Zone presented by MOTE Marine.
Saturday morning, Longboat Key hosts their 23rd Annual Freedom Fest Parade & Festival. The festival commemorates America's 250th Birthday with a parade, live entertainment, family activities, the annual Hot Diggity Dog Contest, a butterfly release, petting zoo, and the Most Patriotic Float & Group Contest.
The City of Venice will host a special daytime Independence Day parade, followed at 11 a.m. with a community picnic at the Venice Community Center. There will be free hot dogs, a watermelon eating contest, music, dancing, and additional family-friendly activities.
Lakewood Ranch is hosting a night of red, white, and WOW with the Circus Arts Conservatory. There will be jaw-dropping circus acts, a whimsical kids’ zone, classic carnival games, and plenty of local eats.
These are just a few of the many get togethers happening Friday and Saturday. Most of the communities on the Gulf Coast of Florida are hosting fireworks displays and outdoor gatherings.
Since 1938, Independence Day has been a federal paid holiday, meaning most folks have it off with pay. Since July 4th is a Saturday this year, that means the official paid holiday is Friday, July 3rd. Good News Pest Solutions will be closed tomorrow so our employees can celebrate the holiday. We will be open for business again on Monday. In the meantime, we wish you all a Happy and Safe Independence Day weekend!