By Barry Coughlan
St Patrick’s Day has long since been recognized as a huge party day or weekend – as the Irish, those of Irish descent or, really just anybody who likes a good old knees-up, celebrates the existence of a small Island way over there in the Atlantic.
St Patrick’s Day is the top on-premises beer drinking holiday (and it’s not an official holiday either) in the United States, meaning that more people drink beer in bars (as opposed to homes) than on any other day of the year.
There are all types of other statistics, however, and it’s no surprise that another day takes top spot in terms of alcohol sales overall and that day of course is July 4th, Independence Day.
I’ve never but been aware of the significance of Independence Day, it having been drummed into me by aunts, uncles and cousins, regular returnees to Ireland all through my life, from a distance or on the many holidays home. It heightened when our second daughter was born on July 4th back a few decades ago. It’s a birthday one doesn’t forget for even a minute, believe me!
So this week in a year when the closure effects of the Covid pandemic have lessened significantly, when in all but small pockets of the country normality has been restored, Independence Day will be celebrated with gusto – to the point that beer sales will easily top $1 billion!
Literally, there will be thousands of significant events associated with the big day, from east to west, south to north and all points in between.
And let’s be clear about this, as much as all of America join hands with the Irish to celebrate March 17th, there’ll be no shortage of Irish volunteers to take to the highways and byways, to the bars, restaurants, parks, monuments et-al and join in the fun.
The younger members of our extended family, from Boston to Austin, Texas, and to different destinations in California have already announced some of their plans on social media. They make for impressive reading.
Scrolling through an information bank provided by some of my many tourism marketing company buddies, I could easily have written a “what’s on guide” that would fill dozens of pages in this Irish Examiner USA.
I don’t have the luxury of that space so will focus on just some of the very good things happening the USA on this July 4th, amongst them of course the famed Macy’s Fireworks Display in New York. This year marks mark the 46th annual fireworks show illuminating New York’s skyline. The fireworks are the nation’s largest Independence Day celebration, launching more than 60,000 shells to ignite the night.
For a daytime alternative, you could just head for Coney Island to witness a much watched hot dog eating contest with a cast of many. Anyone who believes they can eat 77 in 10 minutes will have a world record and a very full stomach! It takes place in Maimonides Park, at the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues.
It might come as a surprise to learn that Pennsylvania actually has the highest party spend for St Patrick’s Day, so in honor of that let’s kick an off a nationwide list of events with some of their plans for Independence Day.
Pittsburgh
There are numerous celebrations set to take place across Pittsburgh this July, but a family favorite is the Fourth of July firework display at the city’s iconic Point State Park. From 4 pm, the park will host family-friendly activities including face painting and games, with live music and dancing throughout the evening. The event will culminate with a breathtaking firework display above the Pittsburgh skyline at 9.35 pm.
visitpittsburgh.com
Columbia’s Glorious 4 July Celebration, Tuolumne, California
Located in the heart of California’s Mother Lode, Columbia State Historic Park is a living gold rush town featuring the largest single collection of existing gold-rush era structures in the state. There’s no better way to spend the 4th than by partaking in authentic American traditions such as needle in the haystack, egg relay, greased pole contest and a five-way tug-o-war. The day begins with a Flag Raising and Black Powder Musket Salute by the Columbia Militia, followed by a community parade and barbecue.
visittuolumne.com
Independence Day in Naples, Florida’s Paradise Coast
Naples will come alive with a commemorative parade and beachside fireworks display. The lavish community is known for its sandy white beaches, small-town feel and exclusive shopping streets, which will be decorated with festival paraphernalia for the celebratory parade. The palm-lined roads will guide visitors down to the famed beaches and iconic Naples Pier come evening, where a spectacular fireworks display will light up the sky.
Rooftop drinks and a movie in West Hollywood, California
West Hollywood’s chic rooftop bar at E.P & L.P collaborates with Melrose Rooftop Theatre, and will be screening none other than Independence Day on July 4th this year. As part of their alfresco screening series, a ticket for a three-course dinner and film, or screening only, can be purchased to enjoy the classic. As the sun sets over West Hollywood, the rooftop will be a prime spot for enjoying the Hollywood Hills views and spectacular firework displays around the city.
visitwesthollywood.com
Fireworks and festivals in Greater Palm Springs, California
Celebrate across Greater Palm Springs with multiple free events. Civic Centre Park, the largest of Palm Desert’s parks, has an annual event in the Coachella Valley. The Amphitheater will be the center of the evening with a favorite Southern California act, Swing Cats Big Band with the Swing Kittens, as well as music synchronized fireworks and a variety of street food and drink vendors.
visitgreaterpalmsprings.com
Amazon Seafair Summer Fourth, Seattle
With numerous experiences spread across one lake, Fourth of July in Seattle is a celebration to remember. At the north end of Lake Union, Gas Works Park offers a fun-filled family festival with numerous interactive activities, including a special kids’ zone and a food marketplace. The sound stage will see music performances throughout the day and will continue through the night with an added glow-in-the-dark dance party. At the south end of the lake, Lake Union Park provides the best seating in the house. Expect amazing views teamed with a live DJ set and a great selection of food and cocktails. To top this off this celebration, guests can experience one of the nation’s best firework displays across the natural amphitheater from the many viewpoints on offer.
visitseattle.org
Big Bay Boom in San Diego, California
San Diego’s Big Bay Boom claims to be the largest fireworks show in California. Taking place at 9 pm, fireworks are simultaneously let off from four barges around San Diego Bay, transforming the night sky into a dazzling display of colour and light. There are plenty of places to sit back and watch the show. Visitors can make the experience extra special on-board the USS Midway Museum, where the best seats in the house are on its flight deck.
sandiego.org
Fourth on the Field at Sutter Health Park, Sacramento, California
One of the most popular ways to spend Independence Day is the Fourth on the Field at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. Celebrate July 4th at the famed ballpark and witness an incredible performance by Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera. Gates open at 7 pm with the concert starting at 8 pm. The evening will end at 9:30 pm with a unique fireworks display choreographed to the live orchestra.
visitsacramento.com
Star-Spangled Symphony & 4 July Block Party, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Celebrate Independence Day in style in Colorado Springs this year. This Fourth of July, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and Colorado Springs Sports Corporation will present Star-Spangled Symphony & 4th of July Block Party, a free concert located at the Pikes Peak Center in downtown Colorado Springs. An all-American celebration, the indoor concert will continue outside with food stalls, a beer garden and screens broadcasting the exciting concert.
colorado.com