Ever wondered why it’s a tradition to set off explosions of light in the sky on Independence Day? It’s certainly a day for celebration, but why fireworks? Well, the 4th of July history actually involves fireworks and you can thank famous historian John Adams for it.
During the first months of the Revolutionary War, after the 13 colonies had all voted in favor of independence from Britain, Congress began to write what became the Declaration of Independence. Before it was even finished and signed, an enthusiastic John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife stating how the occasion of America’s freedom should be celebrated. It read:
“The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival…It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
Adams was off by a few days, but the Fourth of July was most certainly celebrated in a way he would have liked.
The first organized Fourth of July fireworks were set off in 1777 in Pennsylvania and Boston (Adam’s hometown) one year after the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Pennsylvania Evening Post reported that “the evening was closed with the ring of bells, and 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.”
Here’s where to catch the fireworks locally:
Red, White & Blue Block Party & Kevin Sonnycalb Memorial Fireworks
Shawnee Park 591 South Park Drive, XeniaThe City of Xenia is excited to welcome Xenia Rotary Club’s annual “KevinSonnycalb Memorial Fireworks Festival” back to the city’s…
Star Spangled Heights
Thomas Cloud Park 4707 Brandt Pike, Dayton10a Parade 12p Flag Ceremony 1-8p Food Truck Rally, Kid Zone, Live Bands, Beer Garden, Petting Zoo, and much more….
Light in Flight Festival
Food and entertainment Fireworks at 10pm
Fireworks Viewing Party
Mother Stewart’s Brewing Co 109 W. North St. (Parking @ 102 W. Columbia St), SpringfieldJoin us in Downtown Springfield, OH as we enjoy National Trails Park + Recreation District’s fireworks: ‘Buck Creek Boom’ presented…
Star-Spangled Celebration
Vandalia Rec Center 1111 Stonequarry Rd, VandaliaThe Vandalia Star-Spangled Celebration will be held on Saturday, July 3, at the Vandalia Sports Complex. Food, music and fun…
Waynesville Light Up the Sky
Waynesville Bicentennial Park 837 Dayton Rd, Waynesville7:00 Food – Drinks – Fun – Family 7:15 Sky Divers 7:25 National Anthem 7:30 Free Concert: Music by: “No…
Clark County Fireworks – Buck Creek Boom
clark county fairgrounds 4401 S. Charleston Pike, SpringfieldThe 26th annual Buck Creek Boom present by LWS Taxes, Payroll, & Accounting, returns this summer to celebrate America’s Independence…
July 4 Party in the Park and Car Show
Peace Park 70 E Dayton St, West AlexandriaThe West Alexandria Celebration Committee will host the Annual July 4 Party in the Park and Car Show at Peace…
Fairborn Parade & Firewrok
Downtown Fairborn FairbornFairborn is the place to be for celebrating our nation’s independence. We kick it off on July 3rd at 2:00…
Troy 4th of July Concert & Fireworks
Treasure Island Park 409 N. Elm St, TroyA high-energy concert by Rick K. Road Trip will be an exciting part of Troy’s July 4th event, presented by…
City of Kettering Fireworks – Go 4th!
Delco Park 1700 Delco Park Drive, KetteringCelebrate Independence Day with us in beautiful Delco Park! The City of Kettering Go 4th typically includes entertainment, food vendors,…
Beavercreek Independence Day Celebration
Rotary Park 2260 Dayton Xenia Rd, BeavercreekThe City of Beavercreek is excited to announce the City will be hosting a 2021 Independence Day celebration! Although this…
Elvis Tribute & fireworks display
North Park Amphitheatre 195 Tamarack Trail, SpringboroNew this year is a July 4th concert ending with a fireworks display. Bring your own seating—we’re ready for summer!
Englewood 4th of July / Fireworks Celebration
Centennial Park 205 Union Rd, EnglewoodEnglewood’s annual fireworks celebration at Centennial Park. The Civic Band will perform beginning at 7:00 pm. Fireworks begin at approximately…
Americana Festival
uptown Centerville CentervilleThe Centerville-Washington Township Americana Festival started in 1972 as a sidewalk sale promoted by the city’s downtown merchants. This year,…
Red, White & Brew
The Mall at Fairfield Commons 2727 Fairfield Commons Blvd, BeavercreekThe event will include a beer garden sponsored by Yuengling, live music performed by Stranger, family-friendly activities, a Kids Zone,…
Along with barbecues, family outings, and fun picnics, setting off fireworks is probably the number-one event people look forward to for the Fourth of July.
Did you know that 65% of Americans plan a picnic or barbecue to celebrate the 4th of July. More hot dogs are eaten in July than any other month of the year, according to the National Sausage and Hot Dog Council (NHDSC). Americans are expected to eat 155 million hot dogs over the July 4th holiday alone. Americans buy 750 million pounds of chicken leading up to the Fourth of July celebrations. Last year we spent $203 million just on condiments for Fourth of July. This is more than the $92 million we spend on chips and $60.3 million we spend on dip. About 68.3 million cases of beer are sold over the Fourth of July weekend, which according to the 
