Fourth of July 2014: 10 Great Fireworks Displays in America

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, July 03, 2014

Independence Day on the Fourth of July marks a time for Americans to get together in celebrating the United States of America with picnics, parties, and most importantly, fireworks.

The national holiday season millions of families throwing backyard barbecues each year, but an even more exciting and festive event takes place once night falls on the Fourth of July each year- often in the form of firecrackers, sparklers, and bottle rockets, among many other types of fireworks. This year, The Christian Post has compiled a list of the top 10 Independence Day fireworks displays in the United States.

1. New York City

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Each Fourth of the July, Macy's holds a fireworks extravaganza, and this year, the show is returning to New York's East River. The 37th Annual Macy's Fourth of July celebration is known as America's biggest fireworks display and features a 25-minute show set to 40,000 fireworks with 15 colors, 30 shapes and synchronized to a score of songs. However, you do not have to be in NYC to enjoy the Macy's fireworks – the show will air live on NBC at 8 p.m. EST on Friday.

2. Washington, D.C
Watching fireworks in the capital of the United States may be the most patriotic way to celebrate America's birthday on the Fourth of July. Washington, D.C. will host a fireworks display along the national Mall in honor of Independence Day beginning at around 9:15 p.m.

3. Philadelphia
For another breathtaking fireworks display, residents near Philadelphia can enjoy the Philly Fourth of July Jam and Grand Finale Fireworks on Friday. The event boasts a free concert along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway where fireworks begin at approximately 10:30 p.m.

4. Boston
The Fourth of July Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Esplanade is entering its 40th year of celebrating this year. However, the event will take place on July 3 this year due to weather. The free concert at the DCR Hatch Memorial Shell is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. featuring guests such as The Beach Boys, while the fireworks are set to start at 10:30 p.m.

5. Miami
America's Birthday Bash is free and open to the public in Miami on July 4 with activities for both kids and adults. Furthermore, it is the largest fireworks display in all of South Florida, presented by Bayfront Park Management Trust. The fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

6. San Diego
Moving over to the West Coast, San Diego hold several Independence Day celebrations throughout the entire county, including a two-hour parade in Coronado and a fireworks spectacular over Glorietta Bay. Furthermore, the port of San Diego holds its Big Bay Boom Fireworks display over the San Diego Bay, while nearby LEGOLAND Resort celebrates July 4 with a Red, White and Boom. Lastly, La Jolla holds fireworks over La Jolla Cove beginning at 9 p.m.

7. Honolulu
Fourth of July fireworks are returning to Hawaii's historic Pearl Harbor this year. The celebration will include a performance by the band 3 Doors Down before fireworks light up the sky at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam beginning at 9:30 p.m.

8. Chicago
Fireworks take place all over Chicago throughout the summertime, but a favorite spot to catch the show on July 4 is Navy Pier which has views from the shoreline. The display is also visible from boats on Lake Michigan where the show is complete with synchronized music.

9. San Antonio
San Antonio's largest and longest Stars and Stripes Fourth of July fireworks display will be held downtown at the Alamodome. The show starts at 9:30 a.m. and set to songs broadcasted on the local radio station Q101.9 FM.

10. Seattle
A 21-minute show over Lake Union will feature over 10,000 individual effects on July 4 this year. The free celebration begins at noon with the fireworks starting at 10 p.m. The event offers two locations: Gas Works Park and Lake Union Park. Reserved seating is available for purchase.