Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/11544
Freedom! Independence Day 2010 For a die-hard patriot, there is no national holiday more important than Independence Day THE HISTORY OF OUR NATION'S BIRTH Popularly known as The Fourth of July, this holiday commemorates the day on which the Second Continental Congress voted to approve the Declaration of Independence, officially marking the day on which our fledgling nation decided to free itself from British rule. Founding Father John Adams declared that such a day 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 forevermore." The country has long taken Adams' words to heart, and the holiday is still celebrated in a similar fashion today. There are often parades, shows and games, and there are always fireworks to remind us of the firepower that it took to win our country its freedom. Adams thought this American holiday ought to be celebrated "from one end of this continent to the other," and when California was admitted to the Union in 1850, it was finally officially possible for this holiday to be celebrated from coast to coast. CALIFORNIA: THE PERFECT PLACE TO CELEBRATE With its hot summer days and cool summer nights, California seems to have been made for Fourth of July barbecues and picnics. Many Californians celebrate with backyard cookouts or picnics at the beach. Many people do their best to stake out a prime location early in the day to watch fireworks displays at night, as though the picnic is just something to do while waiting for the fireworks. Orange County residents have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to Fourth of July activities. Just about every city in the county puts on a display of fireworks, and many of them organize parades or festivals to celebrate the birth of our nation. Here are a few that you're going to want to be sure to catch. Some OC Fourth of July Events LOS ALAMITOS: THE FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR When it comes to patriotism, few groups can give a better show than the United States Military. The Armed Forces share a training base in Los Alamitos, and on the Fourth of July, they give their guests a taste of the firepower that drove the British back and won us our freedom. Aside from a spectacular fireworks display, the Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB) will also sponsor a food court, the "JFTB Liberty Village" Vendor Fair, an expanded Kids Fun Zone, and a World War II Reenactment. Whether you're a history buff, a military supporter, or just a fun-loving American, you're sure to have a good time at this Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular. For more information, visit www.ci.los-alamitos.ca.us. NEWPORT DUNES: THE ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY EXTRAVAGANZA As far as the fireworks are concerned, size does matter, and if you're looking for the biggest display of firepower in Southern California, you'll find it at the Newport Dunes. At the Dunes' Annual 4th of July Extravaganza, you can enjoy family-friendly fun in a day filled with food, games, prizes, music, contests and tournaments. And once the sun goes down, you can enjoy the awe and wonder of a fireworks show under the stars. For more information, visit www.newportdunes.com. LAKE FOREST: A PANCAKE BREAKFAST, THE FIRECRACKER 5K, AND THE ALL AMERICAN SPIRIT PARADE Independence Day isn't all about fireworks. It can also be a day to celebrate civic and national pride. Lake Forest has an entire day of activities planned, starting with the Kiwanis Club's Pancake Breakfast at El Toro High School (ETHS). The ETHS Parent/Teacher/Student Organization (PTSO) will also be sponsoring the Firecracker 5k Run/Walk, for those who are looking for a more active way to celebrate. To close the festivities, there will be a parade celebrating the "All American Spirit" of the day, and if you're still hankering for fireworks, you're in luck: this year's Lake Forest festivities will take place on July 3rd, so you can get double the celebration by attending another city's festivities on the actual day of the holiday. For more information, visit www.lakeforestca.gov/4thjuly. CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES, COME ON! Once again, just about every city in the county has some sort of celebration planned. If you want to know how your city is going to celebrate the birth of our nation, you can check out your city's website for more information. No matter where you decide to spend your holiday, you're bound to have a great time commemorating the day we declared independence. LIVEMAGS.NET JUNE>>10 47