Jaci Rae--

It’s time to celebrate the 4^th of July again, but why do we celebrate the 4^th of July? It’s the day the United States celebrates Independence Day, a federal holiday that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain on July 4^th, 1776.

In honor of our nation’s day of independence, cities all around the United States hold celebrations. Here is a list of a few free 4^th of July celebrations in neighborhoods that may be close to you.

Atlanta, GA – There are festivities all day at Centennial Olympic Park with arts and crafts as well as face painting for the kids (children’s activities are held in the south end of the park around the Fountain of Rings from 12 PM – 5 PM) and an AirTran Airways Fireworks Spectacular at 9 PM. Free music entertainment begins at 5 PM.

Seattle, WA – Chase Family 4^th at Lake Union. Free family festivities and activities throughout the day with fireworks beginning at 10 PM.

Great Falls, MT – Free 4^th of July celebration in downtown Great Falls. You will enjoy a great parade with clowns, antique cars, gun salute and aerial displays. Free water, soda’s and free ice cream.

Anchorage, AK - Free activities and fireworks finale. Pancake breakfast (not free) starts at 8 AM. Parade begins at 11 AM and then there is the reading of the Declaration of Independence at 1 PM.

Santa Clara, CA – All-City Picnic with a pancake breakfast (not free) followed by free entertainment and family activities from 8 AM to 5 PM. Central Park, 9090 Kiely Blvd. Fireworks begin at 9:30 PM.

San Francisco, CA – Fillmore Jazz Festival 10 AM – 6 PM. Fillmore Street between Jackson and Eddy Street. Free admission.

New York, NY – One of the nation’s most impressive firework displays begins at 9:20 PM. There will also be the iconic hot dog eating contest on Coney Island sponsored by Nathan’s on Saturday afternoon.

St. Louis, MO – Free concerts and fireworks with this year’s headliners being The Counting Crows and Train on July 3^rd and July 4^th. Fireworks both nights. Held at the Archgrounds and St. Louis Riverfront. Kids will have fun enjoying crafts, games and the K-Town Kids Zone.

Washington, DC – What better way to celebrate the 4^th of July then at our nation’s capitol? Held at The National Mall, the all-day event begins with a parade along Constitution Avenue and ends with a spectacular display of fireworks at the Washington National Monument. This breathtaking event begins at 10 AM.

Colorado – From Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Castle Rock, Aspen and Alamosa, there are festivities galore in Colorado. The Air Force Academy will have a family-oriented evening with games, music and fireworks beginning at 5 PM to 9:30 PM. Boulder at Folsom Stadium have festivities that include a performance by the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra and the Colorado Shakespeare Company. Gates open at 7 PM with fireworks at 9:30 PM.

These are just a few hot spots around our nation; with thousands, more held in cities close to you. Why not make it a fun, free family night and celebrate one of our nation’s most treasured moments in history.

Jaci Rae is known as The Fabulously Frugal Diva and The Queen of More Green. She is the author of several books including the bestseller 5 Meals For $5. Other books she's written: Shop For a Day With Jaci Rae, How To Get Almost Anything For Free, and Winning Points With The Woman in Your Life One Touchdown at a Time. Jaci Rae, who was raised in poverty and knows the value of a dollar, can show you that it doesn't have to be a struggle. Recently Jaci Rae went on a shopping spree and filled an entire truck, inside and out for under $400. Jaci is currently working on a Ph.D.

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