Americans across all 50 states are prepping for the Fourth of July and, of course, the rousing celebrations that come with it.
Booming fireworks, patriotic parades, and outdoor barbeques have become annual traditions, and many employees enjoy the day off of work for the federal holiday.
July 4, also known as Independence Day, marks the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the 13 North American colonies officially separated from Great Britain.
As the Fourth of July arrives, here’s a brief rundown of what happened that day in 1776, approximately 249 years ago.
A list of Fond du Lac-area events planned this year is also included below.
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What happened on July 4, 1776?
The Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, but the vote itself actually took place two days earlier, according to the History Channel.
And, rewinding just a tad further: Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee first introduced the motion calling for the colonies’ independence on June 7 of that year, the channel said.
After the Revolutionary War erupted in April 1775, a growing number of colonists had started to favor the idea of independence from Great Britain.
Independence was considered a “radical” idea at first, but it began to catch on as revolutionary sentiments were disseminated across the colonies.
In turn, on June 7, the topic was heavily debated amongst the Continental Congress delegates at the Pennsylvania State House.
The vote was ultimately postponed, but a formal statement in favor of separation was drafted by Virginia’s Thomas Jefferson, Massachusetts’ John Adams, Connecticut’s Roger Sherman, Pennsylvania’s Benjamin Franklin, and New York’s Robert R. Livingston.
Less than a month later, the delegates voted in favor of the resolution.
July 4 soon became the day widely celebrated as America’s birthday.
Why do we set off fireworks on the 4th of July?
Fireworks became a part of Independence Day celebrations the very first year the anniversary was celebrated, according to the channel.
On July 4, 1777, the Sons of Liberty set fireworks off over Boston Common. In Philadelphia the Pennsylvania Evening Post wrote “at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.”
The tradition stuck.
When did the 4th of July become a federal holiday?
While there were celebrations on July 4 in 1777, it didn’t become a federal holiday until 1870. And, it wasn’t until 1941, that it became a paid federal holiday.
Observance of the holiday became common place following the War of 1812, according to the Library of Congress, and by 1870 it had grown to be “the most important secular holiday on the calendar.”
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Where can I see fireworks, parades and more in Fond du Lac County?
Here’s a brief roundup of events. Read the full story of area events here.
Fond du Lac:
Entertainment: The Fond du Lac Symphonic Band will perform at Lakeside Park at 7:30 p.m. July 4 for its Americana Concert.
Fireworks: Festival Foods fireworks will follow the concert at 9:30 p.m.
Campbellsport:
Entertainment: Campbellsport Area Fire Association’s annual Firemen’s Picnic will continue July 4 at Fireman’s Park, with carnival rides, food and a petting zoo both days. A car show and music are also planned.
Parade: The area’s largest parade starts at noon.
Green Lake:
Entertainment/food: A pancake breakfast starts off Green Lake’s Fourth of July events from 7 to 11 a.m. July 4 at American Legion Post 306, and the 4 on the 4th Reilly’s Pub Run/Walk for Veterans starts at 8:30 a.m. from Reilly’s Pub. Food and refreshments will be available starting at noon for Light Up the Lake at Deacon Mills Park, 491 South St. Duck races, children’s activities and live music also planned.
Parade: The patriotic-themed boat parade will start at 1 p.m., traveling from Sunset Park to Deacon Mills Park, and the Fourth of July Community Parade starts at 4 p.m. in Downtown Green Lake.
Fireworks: start at dusk.
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Why celebrate 4th of July? Fireworks parades events around Fond du Lac