When the fireworks light up the sky this Fourth of July, how will you celebrate?
Historically, the anniversary of America’s independence from Great Britain has been memorialized in the most festive of fashions. In 1777, fireworks, parades and 13 gun salutes marked the occasion of America’s first birthday in Bristol, Rhode Island. One year later, General George Washington honored the day by rewarding his soldiers with a double ration of rum.
In a letter written to his wife on July 3, 1776, John Adams declared that no accolade or expense should be spared in observation of Independence Day.
“It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty,” Adams wrote. “It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other.”
In 1938, Congress declared July Fourth a national paid holiday, thus reinforcing the festive nature of the occasion and branding it as one of the largest party days of the year. Today, 238 years after its establishment, Independence Day signifies to many Americans a welcome vacation from school or work.
Maria Armstrong, owner of Lost and Found Records in Knoxville, is looking forward to the break a long Fourth of July weekend affords.
“It’s Independence Day. It means my store’s closed,” Armstrong said.
Similarly, Alec Baldwin took to Twitter to express his thoughts on the flippancy of modern Fourth of July celebrations.
“Fourth of July…. Our forefathers fought for our right to nap on the beach,” Baldwin wrote.
Maintaining a theme of lighthearted commemoration, several Knoxville residents will partake in a range of celebratory activities this Friday such as a Tug-of-War contest between the Knoxville police and fire departments in World’s Fair Park as well as the Boys and Girls Club’s annual Rubber Duck Race on the park lake.
Amid the humor and pomp, however, many Americans believe Independence Day commemorates the most momentous occasion in the country’s history.
“I believe the Fourth is a grand celebration, a playful dedication to the pride and history of our land,” Dillon Bunn, senior in psychology, said. “But most of all, it means we have a future.”
But to many, as Adams suggested, the Fourth of July serves as both a time to remember what was lost in America’s fight for freedom and as a celebration of that which was gained.
In a 2013 tweet, news anchor Carson Daly took a modern approach to Adams’ historic letter.
“Happy 4th of July! Thanks to all who serve(d) to make this the land of the free. Now, let’s BBQ and light some M-80’s,” Daly wrote.
Those that are outdoors in Knoxville this Independence Day might be privy to a variety of celebratory festivities ranging in size and content. Whether citizens decide to watch the fireworks from World’s Fair Park or choose not to celebrate at all, the freedom is theirs.
Things to do on the Fourth:
UT:
July 4th Party:
6:30 p.m.: Free dinner and desert in the I-House Great Room.
Knoxville:
Knoxville Zoo:
July 4-6: Free admission to all service men and women, active and retired veterans.
First Friday:
6-9 p.m: Bliss Home is showing art by printmaker, Callie Farmer. Complimentary Steamboat Sandwiches will be served.
http://www.moretoknoxville.com/events/daily/2014/07/04
The Volunteer Princess:
6:30 p.m.: Four course plated dinner, dancing, and cash bar. Will dock in a prime location for World’s Fair firework show. $69.95 for adults, $34.95 children 10 and under.
http://www.volunteerprincess.com/holiday/fireworks
Festival on the Fourth at World’s Fair:
2 p.m: Boys and Girls Club Rubber Duck race
5:30 p.m.: Bike parade on Gay street
5:45 p.m.: KPD vs KFD Tug-of-War contest on the World’s Fair festival lawn
6:15 p.m.: Brad Blackwell performs on World’s Fair festival lawn stage
8 p.m.: KSO concert on World’s Fair performance lawn
9:35 p.m.: Fireworks Spectacular on World’s Fair performance lawn.
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/events/4th/default.asp
Gatlinburg:
Independence Day Parade:
Bubba Brews:
Sundown: July 5th, starting at sundown, located on Norris Lake in Maynardville, The Fairview Union will be playing. http://www.beachislandmarina.com/bubbabrews.html
Sequoyah Marina:
