After various changes to Jefferson’s origianl draft, on July 4, 1776 the members of the Second Continental Congress adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence. Of the 13 colonies, 9 voted in favor of the delcaration and 2 voted no, those states being Pennsylvania and South Carolina. In 1777, the people of Philadelphia began to celebrate the 4th of July by ringing bells, firing guns and lighting candles. However, with the War of Independence still going on, the celebrations where small.

In 1783, when the war ended, July 4th became a time to celebrate. In Boston, it became the major patriotic holiday. By the early 1800s the traditions of parades, picnics, and fireworks were firmly established as part of American Independence Day culture. It was not until 1941 that the 4th of July became a federal holiday.

Some consider the 4th of the July to be America’s Birthday and today she celebrates her 232nd Birthday. In Citrus County, the Crystal River fireworks will be at the Three Sisters Property to increase the viewing area for the community and will begin their show around 9:00 p.m.

In Hernando County, The fireworks display will begin around 9:00 PM at Weeki Wachee Springs, 6132 Commercial Way (corner US 19 & SR 50), Park Patrons will be allowed to remain inside the Park for the fireworks show.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 4th, 2008 at 7:51 am and is filed under General, Community Events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.