Massachusetts
Celebrate red, white and blue: Fourth of July fesitvities across Western Massachusetts
It’s all about the “red, white and blue” on the Fourth of July, celebrating when the Second Continental Congress in 1776 voted on July 2 for independence from Great Britain. It wasn’t until July 4 that delegates from the 13 original colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence.
For the past 248 years, Americans have celebrated the birth of its young country on July 4 with parades, picnics and more, not forgetting the illuminating display of fireworks that started the tradition. It is reported that the practice of setting off fireworks began in Philadelphia on July 4,1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day.