In 1776, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife saying that the signing of the Declaration of Independence should be celebrated 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."
His wish was granted. You cannot escape the pomp and parade of the Fourth of July. Even if you're not celebrating, you're likely to hear the blasts of amateur and professional fireworks echoing throughout town. The spirit of the Fourth takes over the country, making people nostalgic for a slice of Americana. Independence Day is so closely tied to fireworks that the American Pyrotechnics Association has a countdown on its website marking the days, hours, minutes and seconds until midnight of the Fourth hits.
But the other non-fireworks shenanigans Adams requested remain an important aspect. Americans continue to love the pomp, the sports, the - bells? Alright, maybe the bells have fallen by the wayside now. Across the country, Americans have put their own spin on the festivities, making the holiday weirder and more wonderful every year.
Here are some of the most unique ways the States will be celebrating the Fourth this year beyond the standard fireworks show.
