Fourth of July Fun!

Break out the red, white and blue and your best star-spangled glasses! If you’re searching for some good, old-fashioned fun this summer, check out these Fourth of July happenings! As this all-American kid illustrates, you’re never too young – or too old -- to get in the spirit.



Birmingham, Alabama
Independence Day Festivities, Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum and other sites
July 3-4, 2010
On Saturday, July 3, visit the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Birmingham, Alabama, and take a good ol' fashioned train ride through the forests! See railroad artifacts, memorabilia and books in restored depots and visit the Railroad Signal Yard. On July 4 at 9 p.m. Thunder on the Mountain 2010, Birmingham's traditional fireworks demonstration, illuminates the skies above Birmingham's beloved iron man, Vulcan. For the best viewing experience, make sure you have a clear view of Vulcan!

Corinth, Mississippi
Fourth of July Festival, Jacinto Courthouse
July 4, 2010
This Fourth of July Festival in Corinth, Mississippi, the historic Jacinto Courthouse offers arts and crafts, dancing by the Chuckalissa Indians, a Civil War encampment, wonderful food and more!

Madison, Indiana
60th Anniversary Madison Regatta
July 4, 2010
Experience the fun of hydroplane racing at the 60th Anniversary Madison Regatta in Madison, Indiana, which highlights the fastest boats in the world. The fun includes a parade, music, pageant, fireworks and the Lucas Oil Indiana Governor's Cup Race, featuring The Miss Madison, the only community-owned racing boat on the racing circuit.

Castroville, Texas
10th Annual 4th of July Parade, Downtown Castroville
July 3, 2010
Come celebrate the Fourth of July in Castroville, Texas, at the 10th Annual Independence Day Parade on Saturday, July 3, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. The parade weaves its way through historic Castroville and along Houston Square. Floats of all shapes and sizes will be colorfully decorated.

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
Independence Day Festivities, Historic Area
July 4, 2010
In Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital, experience the excitement of Independence Day at the time of its inception. Turn back the clock and immerse yourself in 18th century America for an unforgettable 4th of July! Enjoy Brews, Blues & BBQ on the Virginia Lawn with mouth-watering barbecue, specially brewed beer and the traditional blues sound of Li’l Ronnie and the Grand Dukes. Or, relax with the Palace Picnic at the Governor’s Palace with a variety of chilled picnic favorites and marching with the Fifes and Drums. Receive a free commemorative blanket, and watch the Colonial Williamsburg fireworks from a reserved viewing area. Cap off the evening with the spectacular fireworks display over the Historic Area, preceded by a reading of the Declaration of Independence and performances by Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes and Drums.

More July 4th fun! Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4.

Photos top to bottom: Ypsilanti, Michigan’s Annual Fourth of July Parade courtesy of Ypsilanti Area CVB. Birmingham’s 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza courtesy Birmingham CVB. Hydroplane racing courtesy of Madison Area CVB. The Chuckalissa Indian dancers in Corinth, Mississippi courtesy of Suzi Aultman. Castroville’s Annual Independence Parade courtesy of Ashlee Tondre Bates. Colonial Williamsburg Fireworks courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.