Celebrating Independence Day

In 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was signed, a staged party was planned to celebrate the birth of America and the separation from England.

Colonists, families and towns continued to celebrate the anniversary of this freedom yearly on July 4 with large crowds and festivities. However, it wasn’t until 1870 that the Fourth of July became a federal holiday and more than 50 years later became a paid, federal holiday.

While the celebrations of the 18th century were essentially a political movement, today’s Independence Day festivities and celebrations are based on the actual freedom of the original colonies, later known as the United States of America.

Modern day 4th of July festivities usually include parades, feasts, festivals, fireworks and other large gatherings of people, but with current social distancing guidelines in effect, please check with your local community to see what changes have been made to this year’s 4th of July celebrations.