Independence Day was the first date to be declared an American holiday, preceding even Thanksgiving. From the start, it sparked unbridled revels with ship cannon salutes, resounding bells and firecrackers. In fact, it was the only day of the year when colonial kids could forgo lessons and chores.

Over the years, communities have come up with unique ways of celebrating the Fourth. Since 1818, the townsfolk of Lititz, Pennsylvania, have illuminated the local park with 7,000 candles. In the 1940s, a 2-mile-long picnic table bordered the parade route in Ontario, California. And today on the streets of Bristol, Rhode Island, red, white and blue stripes replace the yellow traffic lines. This year we're following those time-honored leads, kicking off July with a day full of high-spirited relay races, a homespun parade and a feast of summertime foods.



Photography By Brian Leatart