Top 10 Fun Facts about July 4th

Sparkle and shine, it’s Independence Day time!

Here are ten fun facts about July 4th:
1. Independence Day: July 4th commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in 1776, declaring independence from Great Britain and marking the birth of the United States of America.
2. Early Celebrations: The first official celebrations of Independence Day took place on July 4th, 1777, with fireworks, parades, and public gatherings in Philadelphia, Bristol, and Boston.
3. The Liberty Bell: The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is said to have been rung on July 4th, 1776, to mark the reading of the Declaration of Independence to the public. However, historical records suggest that it may have been rung on a different date.
4. Fireworks Tradition: Fireworks have been associated with July 4th celebrations since the earliest years of the holiday. The tradition is said to have been inspired by John Adams’ belief that the occasion should be celebrated with “pomp and parade…bonfires and illuminations.”
5. Hot Dog Consumption: Americans consume an enormous number of hot dogs on July 4th. It is estimated that over 150 million hot dogs are consumed during this holiday each year.

6. Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest: One of the most famous eating competitions in the world, the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is held on July 4th in Coney Island, New York. Participants compete to see who can eat the most hot dogs in a specific time period.
7. The Declaration of Independence: The original handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence, known as the “Dunlap Broadside,” was lost over time. Today, 26 known copies exist, with one of them housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
8. Founding Father Deaths: Coincidentally, both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, two of the Founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence, passed away on July 4th, 1826. This marked the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration.
9. National Holiday: Independence Day became a federal holiday in 1870 when Congress declared July 4th a national holiday to celebrate the country’s independence.
10. Popular July 4th Parade: The Bristol Fourth of July Parade in Bristol, Rhode Island, is believed to be the oldest continuous Independence Day parade in the United States. It has been held annually since 1785.

These fun facts shed light on the history, traditions, and unique aspects of July 4th, adding an extra layer of fascination to the holiday. It’s a time for celebration, reflection, and appreciation of the nation’s independence and the ideals it represents.