Best Places In America To Celebrate The 4th Of July

Fourth of July is almost here, and that means communities across the nation are making plans to host their annual celebrations. Everything from watermelon-eating contests to parades and street festivals to fireworks are being planned for this summer's biggest celebration. Let's take a look at some of the places in America to celebrate the Fourth of July this year.

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Boulder City, Nevada

Boulder City hosts one of the most exciting Fourth of July celebrations. You can enjoy everything from a pancake breakfast to food vendors and fireworks to some fun with lots of water to help you cool off. The Damboree Celebration will be hosted on Monday, July 4. Activities during the celebration include a flyover by the Boulder City Veteran's Flying Group, a parade, food, drinks, games, ceremonies, fireworks, midway booths and live entertainment. Most of the festivities will be hosted at Broadbent Memorial Park on 5^th Street in Boulder City. If you plan on going to the parade, make sure you bring your water guns and put on your swim suits. This parade features a water zone that allows spectators to get those in the parade wet. But watch out — many of those in the parade are prepared and have brought gallons of water and some even use large hoses to soak the crowd.

Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff is not only close to the Grand Canyon, it also hosts one of the most exciting Fourth of July celebrations in the country. In fact, it has been named by several publications and websites as the best town to celebrate the Fourth of July. While there, you can enjoy fireworks, a concert hosted by the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, outdoor movies, live entertainment, food vendors, a fun run and Flagstaff Art in the Park. Many of the festivities are hosted in the downtown area and at Wheeler Park. Visit Flagstaff this summer and find out why it has been a tradition since the 1930s for families to attend the Fourth of July Celebration. Then, after all of the fun is done, head on up to the Grand Canyon for tons more fun and adventure.

Related: Guide To Vacationing In Arizona

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Marblehead, Massachusetts

The 2016 countdown for the Fourth of July Celebration in Marblehead, Massachusetts is still counting down. Many area residents and those who plan to be in this town for the summer holiday are marking their calendars and getting ready for one of the hottest celebrations in the country. During the celebration, the Harbor will be illuminated at night and there will be a large fireworks display starting at 9 p.m. The fireworks display alone is a reason why this celebration is a must-experience.

North Charleston, South Carolina

The City of North Charleston hosts an annual 4^th of July Celebration at the town's Riverfront Park. This festival features everything from children's activities to musical performances and food trucks to craft vendors. Plus, this city hosts one of the largest 4^th of July fireworks shows in the area. You are not going to want to miss out on this fireworks display.

Navy Pier, Chicago

Head on down to Navy Pier in Chicago for the Windy City Independence Day celebration. This event is one of most spectacular celebrations in the region. Every year, the fireworks display keeps getting bigger and better. During the festival, you will have access to the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel (a must-ride when in the area), sightseeing cruises and dining at the fabulous restaurants at the Pier. You can enjoy a fun-filled day exploring the Pier and participating in many holiday-themed activities, then stay for the fireworks in the evening.

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San Diego, California

With many major military bases scattered throughout the San Diego area, this is the perfect place to enjoy the Fourth of July. You find not just one, but several Fourth of July Celebrations, many of which are within a 30-minute drive of San Diego. All of these festivals include fireworks, entertainment, activities and food. Some popular festivals in the San Diego area during the Fourth of July include the Annual Big Bay Boon July 4^th Fireworks Show, Ocean Beach Pier festivities, Sea to Shining Sea 4^th of July Fireworks and Old Town 4^th of July Celebration. Some of the festivities are planned for the daytime, which leaves plenty of time to go to another one just before the fireworks go off. With so many different festivals planned for the Fourth of July in San Diego, the only issue you might have is picking which one to attend.

Related: Travel Guide To San Diego

St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine will be hosting a colorful fireworks display at the Plaza de la Constitucion on July 4. This event includes a free two-hour concert that precedes the must-see fireworks display. Fireworks Over the Matanzas will feature more than 5,000 individual shells that will explore between 100 feet to 2,000 feet over the historic Bayfront. This is one of the biggest and most popular fireworks displays on the East Coast of Florida. Bring your lawn chairs with you and make sure to arrive early.

Heather Landon (Heather Leigh Carroll) is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience. She has combined two of her passions - writing and travel - to share her experiences with others. You can read more of her articles at Examiner.com.