The Fourth of July
What It's All About:                   
    Growing unrest in the colonies over "taxation without representation" was the issue, and in 1774 the 13 colonies sent delegates to Philadelphia to form the First Continental Congress. The delegates, unhappy with England, were not yet ready to declare war, but King George sent troops to quell any possible rebellion, and in April, 1775, as the troops advanced on Concord, Massachusetts, a number of outriders including Paul Revere rode their horses through the late night streets sounding the famous alarm, "The British are coming, the British are coming!"   The Battle of Concord and its "shot heard round the world" would mark the unofficial beginning of the colonies war for Independence.                                          

This July 4th, 2008, Americans will commemorate the 232nd anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-- the act that set the 13 American colonies, previously under  British rule, on their road to national sovereignty.                                          
    There were 2.5 million people living in the newly independent America; now there are over 304 million people living in the country. America imports 207 million dollars' worth of fireworks from China for its 4th of July pyrotechnic shows.
How and Where to Celebrate It:
Nederland - Annual parade and fireworks on the 4th of July.  Parade will start at noon, and the fireworks at sunset.  Donations for fireworks are still needed.  For information:  http://nedfireworks.org
Black Hawk - Fireworks display viewable anywhere in town, starts at dark, approximately 9:20-9:30 - Car show, live music, kids' entertainment zone and evening fireworks.  Lutz/Stenger Sports Complex, west 58th Avenue at Oak Street.  Parking lot opens at 2 p.m.
Estes Park - Morning pancake breakfast, car show, live music, fireworks over Lake Estes at 9:30 p.m. For information call : 970-577-9900; 800-44-ESTES
Georgetown - 5K race and stroll, bucket brigade races,  bingo and fireworks at dusk.  Events start at 8:00 a.m.
Golden - Live music by the Golden Eagle Brass Band, free rides for kids, raffle and fireworks at 9:30 p.m., at Lions Park, 10th & Maple Street
Jamestown - Start with a pancake breakfast, followed by the “Jimtown” main street parade, a wood-splitting contest, a pie and cake competition, live music and fireworks. Main Street, Jamestown.
Idaho Springs - parade, barbeque, bucket brigade and fireworks over Charlie Taylor Waterwheel.                        
Boulder - The City of Boulder hosts this celebration featuring street performers, disk dog performances, live music by Jubilate, fireworks at 9:45 p.m.  Free admission.  Gates open at 8 p.m. at Folsom Field.