Find Some Star-Spangled Fun!

­­­­­­Happy birthday, America! The 4th of July is one of the most-anticipated holidays of the summer, with food, parades, and of course, fireworks!

It was on this date in 1776, that the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, effectively cutting the colonies’ ties to Great Britain.For years, the 4th of July holiday was observed unofficially; it wasn’t until 1941 that Congress declared it a legal holiday. Here are some other fun facts about this red, white and blue holiday:

*Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.The Liberty Bell sounded from the tower of Independence Hall, summoning citizens for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon.

*In 1778, George Washington marked the 4th with an artillery salute…and a double ration of rum for his soldiers.

*The lyrics to “The Star Spangled Banner” were written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key –and set to the tune of a popular British drinking song.

*Calvin Coolidge, America’s 30th president, was born on July 4, 1872.

*In a weird coincidence, Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration and a future President, died on July 4, 1826.A few hours later on that same day, John Adams, another signer and President, also passed.It was the 50th anniversary of the historic signing.

*Fireworks have been a traditional part of the celebration, ever since 1777. ­Start here to find a dazzling display near you!

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­Independence Day Events throughout Middlesex County, CT:
July 4, 2008 - Four on the Fourth - The Chester 4 mile Road Race

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*Please check back often as we are adding new Connecticut Independence Day events daily. If you know of one that we've missed don't hesitate to pass it along and we'll get it up on the site!