The Fourth of July is a profoundly symbolic and patriotic holiday in the United States. It marks the historic moment when the US declared itself a sovereign nation after achieving independence from England. From fireworks to flag, from barbeques to patriotic music, the Fourth of July is the main event of the summer season in the United States.
There are a wide variety of activities for people of all groups, from kids to adults, from family members to friend groups, that you can do to celebrate the Fourth of July in any part of the country. Some of the activities include designing patriotic crafts, going on a star-studded scavenger hunt and hitting the beach for some mesmerizing fireworks. Are you struggling to find the best things to do to commemorate the occasion? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! If you need help with what to do on the Fourth of July, we’re here to give you some fun ideas. Let’s read to know more!
What is The Meaning of the Fourth of July?
The Fourth of July is also known as Independence Day in the United States. It holds a lot of meaning for Americans as it represents a symbol of freedom and liberty. It’s about democracy and individual rights. On this day, in 1977, America became an independent sovereign nation, announcing the original colonies to be free from British rule.
Traditionally, the 4th of July is celebrated with fireworks, barbecues, and other public events, including readings of the Declaration of Independence. It is also marked with red, white, and blue decorations, in line with the US flag colors, as part of the celebrations. Additionally, people pay their tributes to the American troops and government institutions for their contributions to the independence efforts.
When is America’s birthday?
The Fourth of July is often referred to as America’s birthday. As mentioned earlier, this date commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in 1776. It declared the 13 American colonies as independent states and that they were no longer under British rule. That’s why July 4 is recognized as the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation.
How Many Days Until the Fourth of July?
There are three days remaining until the Fourth of July. This year, the Fourth of July celebrations are falling on a Thursday in the United States. Did you know, that while the 4th of July has been celebrated each year since 1776, it did not become a federal holiday until 1870? It was declared a paid holiday for government employees in 1941. Over time, Independence Day activities like attending parades and bonfires, watching the fireworks and reading the Declaration of Independence aloud have become common practices across the country as part of 4th of July traditions.
What is Open on the Fourth of July?
On the Fourth of July, many businesses, stories and establishments remain open. However, they may have different operating hours. Some even close the shop to celebrate the day. Here are some of the businesses that typically remain open during the Fourth of July:
- Some retail stores, especially Walmart and Costco, remain open with limited operating hours.
- Many grocery stores also stay open with different working hours.
- Some restaurants and fast-food chains will also remain open like Wendy’s and Taco Bell.
- Most gas stations and convenience stores stay open to cater to travelers and local residents.
- Hotels, national parks, and tourist attraction points also remain open to accommodate travelers.
How Much Do Fireworks Cost?
The cost of fireworks changes from shop to shop. How much you buy also matters. If you are buying a lot of fireworks, then you can purchase from a wholesale seller for a reduced cost. On the contrary, retail sellers sell fireworks that start from $8 for basic ones. The more you purchase, the more expensive it is. An average fireworks display in the US can cost an average of $2,000 to $20,000 per show, depending on the size and duration of the event.
Interestingly, the amount of money Americans spend on fireworks every year has increased at an alarming rate. According to the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA), Americans spent $2.3 billion on fireworks on the occasion of the 4th of July in 2022. It is significantly higher compared to $1.9 billion on fireworks in 2020 when the entire world was grappling with pandemic-related lockdowns. As per the association’s predictions, the sales are further expected to reach $3.3 billion by 2028.
10 Things To Do On the Fourth of July
Here are a few things you can do to celebrate the Fourth of July with friends and family:
Cook a patriotic meal
If you love spending time at home, you can easily cook a good meal for yourself or your family and friends. You can celebrate the day with some delicious dishes featuring the colors of the American flag, including red, white, and blue. Make desserts or themed barbecue items. Have a lovely day with your loved ones. Plus, it’s also a fun way to showcase your culinary skills while adding a festive touch to your gathering.
Do a movie marathon
Who doesn’t like to spend the holiday snuggled up in bed, watching classic American movies? So, that’s one thing you can do to enjoy the day without spending too much money. Watch classic American films that celebrate the spirit of independence and patriotism. Movies like ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Born on the Fourth of July’, or even iconic musicals like ‘Yankee Doodle Dandy’ can set the mood for the day. Make some popcorn and munch on it while you watch the movie.
Wear patriotic outfits
If you are heading out with your family or friends, you can mark Independence Day by wearing patriotic-themed clothes. Rees in red, white and blue attire to show your American pride. Whether it is a flag-themed T-shirt, patriotic hats or accessories, you can wear these colors to show that you love your country. It is a simple yet effective way to participate in the ongoing celebrations.
Go to a national park
Wear patriotic outfits and spend the day outdoors in one of America’s beautiful national parks to enjoy nature. You can select any based on your location and convenience. You can go hiking or you can pack some sandwiches and have a picnic day with your partner. It’s a great day to appreciate the natural beauty and vast landscapes of America.
Visit a national monument
There’s no better way to spend the Fourth of July than visiting a national monument with a lot of cultural and historical significance. Visit places like the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore or the Washington Monument. You can learn about these monuments and get an insight into American history and culture. You can also take your children for a fun-filled picnic to historic monuments to teach them about the significance of American independence.
Learn American trivia
When you are spending the day at home, you can brush up on your knowledge of American history and trivia. You can turn it into a fun game and share interesting facts about the Founding Fathers, the signing of the Declaration of Independence or other key events that shaped the nation. Invite your family members and friends to make a day out of it.
Decorate your house
You can show how much you love your country by adorning your home with patriotic decorations such as flags, bunting and themed centerpieces. This will create a festive atmosphere and show your enthusiasm for the holiday. You can DIY patriotic decorations to keep the celebrations budget-friendly. While creating the decorations, you can teach your children about how the US achieved independence from British rule.
Attend a parade
This is what most people do in this day. Multiple local governments and institutions organize and participate in fun-filled parades that include dance and music. Join a local Fourth of July parade, featuring marching bands, floats and community organizations. It is a traditional way to celebrate and connect with your community while enjoying the spectacle. You can also offer to volunteers help and support to organize these parades to give back to society as part of your commemoration.
Watch fireworks
End the day with a dazzling fireworks display organized by local governments. Many cities and towns host fireworks shows that light up the sky in celebration of Independence Day. It is genuinely a breathtaking sight that brings people together in awe and appreciation. You can drive to a park or beach to watch the spectacle in all its glory to celebrate the occasion.
Flaunt the American Flag
Throughout the day, proudly display the colors of the American flag. Whether it is in your attire, decorations, or activities, show off the red, white, and blue as it symbolizes unity and pride in being American. You can display the American flag on your front porch or on your car to display your affection for your country and encourage others to celebrate the moment with the same zeal and spirit.
Conclusion
The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is a significant holiday in the United States. Everyone celebrates this day with their unique ideas, be it fireworks, parades, barbecues or gatherings to honor America’s heritage and principles. It’s the day when you should reflect on your country’s strengths and show gratitude that you get to live in one of the best countries in the world. While honoring American history and patriotic spirit, you can save a good amount of money. Use our tips and tricks to avoid overspending and enjoy Independence Day without any hesitation. For further financial assistance, check out Beem’s budget planner to help you plan your monthly expenses better with helpful insights and recommendations.
Read related blog: Fourth Of July Ideas: How To Spend On A Budget
FAQs
How can I spend wisely on Independence Day?
Create a budget for the day, allocating funds for essentials like food, drinks, and any planned activities. Don’t waste your money by purchasing decor items from the store. Make your own patriotic decorations using inexpensive materials such as construction paper, flags, or recycled materials. And if you are hosting a gathering, opt for a potluck where your guests bring dishes to share. These things will reduce the overall cost of the day.
What are some budget friendly activities to do on July 4?
There are many inexpensive things you can do on the Fourth of July. For example, you can have a picnic with your loved ones or you can find a public spot to watch fireworks for free. If you don’t want to go out, then watch a movie about the history of America and read books on the same.
How can I make the most of my 4th of July without spending a lot?
Focus on attending free events like community parades, fireworks displays, or concerts that are often free or have minimal entry fees. You can also spend part of the day volunteering at a local charity or participating in community service projects, fostering a sense of civic duty and community spirit.
