The National Holiday of the United States is upon us!  We all know that on July 4th 1776 our nation declared independence from Great Britain.  Of the many things it means to be an American-I’ve always loved the independence our citizens enjoy.  But did you know- that the Declaration of Independence was actually written and submitted to Congress on July 2nd?  It took two days for Congress to to adjust and ratify the language before finally approving it on July 4th.  And did you know- John Adams accurately predicted our celebrations for this day  in a letter to his wife Abigal:

“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

Well said Mr. President!  With that being said- a summary of the festivities in Annapolis:

Annapolis Independence Day Parade – Stepping off at 6:30 p.m. the parade begins on Amos Garrett Blvd., and then proceeds right on West Street, around Church Circle, down Main Street, left on Randall Street, and ends in front of the Market House. Anywhere along the parade route will provide a good view of the parade.

Band Concerts -The United States Naval Academy Band’s Concert Band will play from at 8:00 p.m. to dark at Susan Campbell Park, City Dock. The USNA Concert Band performs a public concert series featuring everything from light classics to marches to classic band literature and patriotic songs.

Annapolis Fireworks – At approximately 9:15 p.m., the fireworks will be launched from a barge in Annapolis Harbor. The best viewing areas include public spaces Northeast of the Severn River, along the Naval Academy Bridge (limited parking area), any of the street-end parks facing Spa Creek, and aboard a boat in the Annapolis harbor. The Spa Creek Bridge will be closed to traffic beginning at 9 p.m. to create a spectator pier with an unobstructed view of the fireworks.

Parking will be restricted in many areas and parking in residential areas is not suggested. Instead, park in Park Place Garage or Knighton Garage for $10 all day and take the FREE Circulator down to City Dock. Both garages are right on the parade route, so you can step out of the garage and onto a great viewing spot for the parade. Due to heavy traffic and large attendance, local garages may fill up early. Therefore, the city will also provide shuttle service from the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium ( Gate 5)  to Lawyers Mall from 5 p.m. to midnight. The shuttle will charge $1 per ride for adults with children 12 and under riding free of charge.Other City Parking garages include Gott’s and Hillman. The FREE Circulator runs 6:30 a.m. to midnight, usually at 10-minute intervals at each stop.

For more info see: http://dc.about.com/od/hoildaysseasonalevents/a/AnnapolisJuly4.htm