And the rockets’ red glaaaaaaaaare, the bombs bursting in airrrrrrrr! There’s nothing more American than celebrating our independence with pyrotechnics. Fourth of July was just last week, so if you missed out this year's festivities, check out some of our nation’s best displays and find the perfect Gia location and a professional show near you (don’t play with fireworks unless you’re tired of one or more of your appendages) next year.
Here are some of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the U.S.A.:
Addison, Texas
The Fourth of July fireworks show in Addison is known as Kaboom Town, and that should tell you everything you need to know about this epic celebration (except that Billy Mays, may he rest in peace, has no affiliation). Kaboom Town has been an Independence Day tradition since 1985, and this year’s event will take place on July third, from 5 p.m. until Midnight in Addison Circle Park. Over 400,000 visitors are expected and in addition to the fireworks show, there will be live entertainment, air shows, family activities and more. The American Pyrotechnics Association (which no one bothered to tell me about until I had already settled on English as a major) even recognizes Kaboom Town as one of the top-five fireworks displays in the country, and other sources list it among the top-ten must-see Fourth of July events. The main event is a choreographed, thirty-minute, ground-launched show featuring over 1,500 pounds of fireworks. This is by far the biggest display in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and should definitely be on your Fourth of July bucket list.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Also rated among the top-five fireworks displays in the country, this Atlantic City show is enormous. It takes two barges in the Atlantic Ocean and an entire marina platform to contain the huge amount of fireworks that will fill the night sky. The world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk is the preferred viewing site for more than 250,000 spectators (not including those underneath in cement shoes…I watch too much TV). The fireworks are shot out over the ocean and the show is totally free to the public. There are also celebrations and fireworks viewing parties that are more adult-oriented (nothing says freedom like a wet t-shirt contest) at many of the local bars, where you can find entertainment (boobs), radio stations covering the event, drink specials and more. The fireworks show will be held on Independence Day eve (July 3) and will start at 9:30 p.m.
Lake Tahoe, CA
South Lake Tahoe’s Lights on the Lake Fireworks are some of the best in the country. The view of the show from on the lake is unparalleled, and if you can get a spot on a boat, especially one of the Mississippi Paddlewheelers, you will have a prime viewing spot. Nevada Beach is another great family-friendly viewing site and is an awesome place for a BBQ or a picnic. If you are celebrating the fourth in Tahoe sans underage dependents (lucky duck), after the show you can head to one of the famous Lake Tahoe casinos (put it all on red for America!). The fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m. on July 4, and will be visible from all over town.
Boston, MA
You’d be hard pressed to find something more American than celebrating Independence Day in Boston (except maybe celebrating national donut day…or elastic waistband day). The annual fireworks display is set off over the sparkling Charles River, lighting up the night to the delight of over 500,000 spectators. This free Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is the epitome of patriotism and American Pride. And not only will you be treated to an amazing fireworks display, the infamous Boston Pops will put on two free live concerts. There will be performances on both July third and fourth, with the fireworks display following the concert on the fourth. There will be special entertainment, drum rolls, real cannon fire (even Kaboom Town can’t claim that) and over 10,000 fireworks set off at 10:30 p.m.
