The Fourth of July is celebrated in the US as Independence Day. It is the day in 1776 that the 13 colonies officially separated themselves from England by signing the Declaration of Independence. All this happened right in Philadelphia at Independence Hall.

This very American holiday is right around the corner and is celebrated all over the country with parades and fireworks. There are lots of communities around the area that will be holding some kind of festivities throughout the holiday weekend, so get out and experience an American tradition! Most events are free.

If you want to celebrate where it all began, check out the Wawa Welcome America events in Philadelphia from now through July 4^th. Events, festivities, concerts with fireworks on July 2^nd at Penn’s Landing and on the 4^th at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the Ben Franklin Parkway.

If you want to celebrate a bit closer to home, check out some of the following local events:

July 1^st

Delaware:

• Wilmington – Fireworks following the home game of the Wilmington Blue Rocks.

Maryland:

• Chesapeake City – Parade at 7, fireworks over the C & D Canal at dusk.
• Chestertown – Old Fashioned Downtown Chestertown Celebration in Fountain Park from 5 to 8 pm.

July 2^nd

Delaware:

• Middletown – Jaycees 4^th of July Parade at 9 am in downtown Middletown.

July 3^rd

Delaware:

• Delaware Bay – The Cape May–Lewes Ferry is offering special cruises to watch fireworks over the bay. Reservations required.

Maryland:

• Havre de Grace – parade, carnival, concerts and fireworks throughout the day into evening.
• North East – Music, food and fireworks in Community Park.
• Rock Hall – fireworks over the Chesapeake Bay, beginning at 9 pm.

Pennsylvania:

• Kennett Square – Longwood Gardens Fireworks & Fountains. Tickets still available.

July 4^th

Delaware:

• Bethany Beach – Parade at noon, events throughout the day, fireworks at dusk.
• Dover – Tours and events in the historic area, parade, music, children’s activities, fireworks.
• Hockessin – Neighborhood relays, parade, fireworks.
• Lewes – Old Fashioned 4^th of July, boat parade on the Canal
• Middletown – Fireworks at dusk in Silver Lake Park.
• Newark – live entertainment, food and fireworks at the UD Athletic Complex starting at 6 pm.
• Rehoboth Beach – Fireworks along the beach at 9:15.
• Smyrna – Parade at 9:30 am, carnival in Municipal Park, fireworks at dusk at the Little League fields.

Maryland:

• Annapolis – Parade at 6:30, performance by the US Naval Academy band and fireworks over the harbor.
• Baltimore – Celebrations begin at noon in the Inner Harbor, ending with fireworks at 9:30.
• Chestertown – Fireworks over the lagoon at dusk.
• Elkton – Food, music, fireworks at dusk in Meadow Park on Delaware Avenue.
• Georgetown – Boat parade on the Sassafras River at 5 pm, fireworks at dusk.
• Ocean City – Concert at 8 pm, fireworks at 9:30 pm on the beach at N Division St and in Northside Park.

Pennsylvania:

• Philadelphia – Wawa Welcome America celebration. Philadelphia Museum of Art; concert by The Roots, followed by fireworks.

Tuesday, 28 June 2011 10:18 PM