Fourth of July 2013: Best Fireworks Displays in America
Independence Day is fast approaching for the 253th time in American history and people everywhere are gearing up for fun-filled celebrations that are sure to include Fourth of July staples- fireworks.
Whether they are enjoyed in your own backyard or shot from cannons thousands of feet into the air, fireworks provide a beautiful display of light that is fun for the entire family.
This year, The Christian Post has compiled a list of the 10 best Fourth of July fireworks displays from across country.
1. Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks 2013- New York City
The number one biggest fireworks display in the nation goes to New York City's Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks.
The annual spectacle is set light up the city sky Thursday night as 40,000 shells are loaded onto four barges along the Hudson River, according to the Associated Press. The precise location of the barges is kept a secret for security reasons.
An estimated 3,000,000 people will watch the live 25-minute show entitled "It Begins With A Spark" this year, in addition to millions more who will tune in on television.
The show begins at 9:25 p.m. EST Thursday and will also feature a performance by Usher.
2. The National Mall- Washington, D.C.
Each Independence Day, fireworks are launched from the Reflecting Pool area in the nation's capital- Washington, D.C. The amazing display is visible from many locations in D.C. as well as Virginia.
This year's 17-minute show will begin at 9:10 p.m. EST.
3. Atlantic City Firework Spectacular- Atlantic City, N.J.
The fireworks display each Fourth of July in Atlantic City, New Jersey consists of two parts, making it one of the longest shows in the country. First, a 22-minute show begins over the Marina before a 24-minute display begins over the beach and boardwalk.
The 2013 A.C. Fireworks Spectacular begins on Independence Day at 9:30 p.m. EST.
4. Philly 4th of July Jam and Grand Finale Fireworks, Philadelphia, Penn.
Another great fireworks display will take place on Thursday in Philadelphia. The annual Philly Fourth of July Jam and Grand Finale Fireworks encourages spectators to come "Celebrate America's Birthday in America's Birthplace, Philadelphia."
Furthermore, the display includes "the largest free concert" by the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Concert programming begins around 7 p.m. EST, while fireworks are set to begin around 10:30 p.m.
5. Boston Pops Firework Spectacular- Boston, Mass.
Boston's famous fireworks display is among nation's most expensive- totaling at $2.5 million.
Over 500,000 people are expected to watch the 21-long show of fireworks, which are launched over the Charles River. The show starts at 9:30 p.m.
6. Let Freedom Sing- Nashville, Tennessee
For over 20 years, Nashville has celebrated Independence Day with fireworks along the banks of the Cumberland River. The 30-minute show will include 13,460 pounds of fireworks accompanied by the Nashville Symphony.
Music City's fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.
7. Kaboom Town- Addison, Texas
Kaboom Town is rated one of the top places to watch fireworks in the country. The 30-minute show takes place on July 3 in Addison, Texas.
The show has drawn over 500,000 spectators and can be seen from all over town, including several restaurants.
8. Big Bay Boom- San Diego, California
On the West Coast, the 4th annual Big Bay Boom Independence Day Spectacular will feature fireworks launched from barges near Shelter Island, Harbor Island, and the Embarcadero area.
Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m.
9. Lights on the Lake, Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Alternately, in Lake Tahoe, California, around 100,000 people will watch 5,000 fireworks launched from the middle of the lake on Independence Day.
NBC's "Today" show recognized Lights on the Lake as one country's top Fourth of July weekend celebrations.
The 23-minute show will begin at 9:45 p.m.
10. Light Up The Night- Aurora, Colorado
Launched from the Aurora Municipal Center lawn, Light Up The Night sees a 25-minute fireworks display that is predicted to draw over 100,000 visitors this Independence Day.
While festivities in Aurora begin at 6:30 p.m., the fireworks will start at 9:30.