One of the great things about the 4th of July is that celebrating the holiday can be simple and relatively inexpensive while remaining memorable and fun. Though big cities like New York City, Washington D.C. and San Francisco are classic Independence Day destinations, there are a number of 4th of July celebrations around the nation that rival those of their big city counterparts. If your clients are looking to make their festivities a little more special this year and could use a last minute recommendation for 4th of July travel, we’ve put together a list of the best 4th of July events worth traveling to see.
Kaboom Town; Addison, TX
Over half a million people travel to this northern Dallas suburb that typically only houses 15,000 residents for this annual event. The firework display includes 3,500 pounds of fireworks and the Cavanaugh Flight Museum’s vintage military aircrafts, World Class Warbirds, perform an airshow complete with pyrotechnics. Addison features 200 eateries per capita, more than any other town in the United States, where your clients can catch a live broadcast of the half-hour-long display or grab a bite after the show.
Let Freedom Sing; Nashville, TN
“Let Freedom Sing” attracts nearly 200,000 visitors annually and the city has been known to set off more fireworks than New York City, making it one of the nation’s largest fireworks shows. The Nashville symphony live accompanies this impressive display that’s best viewed along Broadway or in Riverfront Park. Event highlights include two free live music stages: Ascend Amphitheater and The Green at Riverfront Park featuring top acts and a free Family Fun Zone for little ones. Your clients will appreciate affordable flights and accommodations, too.
Fair St. Louis; St. Louis, MO
Self-proclaimed “America’s Biggest Birthday Party,” this free event releases 15,000 pounds of fireworks from July 2nd-July 4th and takes place on the site of the 1904 World’s Fair, 1,371-acre Forest Park. Festivities start with a fun run and continue for several days, including high-profile musical acts, air shows, exhibitions and educational activities.
Wawa Welcome America; Philadelphia, PA
The city that hosted the signing of the Declaration of Independence holds a week-long celebration prior to the holiday that includes a parade through the historic city center, local food events, movie nights, an Independence Day themed storytelling event and live music. Over half a million people gather for the final night of festivities featuring the largest free concert in the country and a 15,000 shell, 15 minute long fireworks show performed with the Philadelphia Museum of Art as its backdrop, home of Rocky Balboa’s infamous run up the east steps.
There are also a number of old-fashioned 4th of July events around the country your clients might not know about:
Bristol Fourth of July; Bristol, R.I.
The oldest, continuous 4th of July celebration in the U.S., “Bristol Fourth of July” started in 1785 with its first parade: a single Revolutionary War veteran. Today, the annual celebration starts three weeks prior on Flag Day, June 14th, and continues through July 4th with a variety of public activities including concerts and sporting events. The town hosts an annual Fourth of July Ball and Fireworks are held on July 3rd, though the parade remains the celebration’s focal point and features a number of attractions such as a drum corps show and firefighter muster.
Old Fashioned 4th; Oak Harbor, WA
Whidbey Island begins Independence Day with a parade and ends the holiday with an evening fireworks show. If your clients are traveling with little ones, they’ll probably want to stay the weekend and enjoy the carnival.
Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration; Brunswick, GA
This free, annual event in historic downtown Brunswick features games and activities, a 30 minute fireworks show and your clients will even get to take home a free watermelon!
We wish you and your clients safe and happy travels this holiday wherever they may take you. When discussing potentially lesser known Independence Day destinations with your clients, don’t forget to remind them to help protect their trip investments and consider if they need medical or emergency medical coverage before they leave home. CSA Travel Protection can help; well-rounded plans with valuable insurance coverages and emergency assistance services are available for purchase against specific unforeseen losses up until the day before departure. Happy 4th!
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