“Mom, what are we doing for the 4th of July?” – Find Some Star-Spangled Fun in Staten Island – July, 2008!

­­­­­Happy birthday, America! The 4th of July is one of the most-anticipated holidays of the summer, with food, parades, and of course, fireworks!

It was on this date in 1776, that the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, effectively cutting the colonies’ ties to Great Britain.For years, the 4th of July holiday was observed unofficially; it wasn’t until 1941 that Congress declared it a legal holiday. Here are some other fun facts about this red, white and blue holiday:

*Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.The Liberty Bell sounded from the tower of Independence Hall, summoning citizens for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon.

*In 1778, George Washington marked the 4th with an artillery salute…and a double ration of rum for his soldiers.

*The lyrics to “The Star Spangled Banner” were written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key –and set to the tune of a popular British drinking song.

*Calvin Coolidge, America’s 30th president, was born on July 4, 1872.

*In a weird coincidence, Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration and a future President, died on July 4, 1826.A few hours later on that same day, John Adams, another signer and President, also passed.It was the 50th anniversary of the historic signing.

*Fireworks have been a traditional part of the celebration, ever since 1777. ­Start here to find a dazzling display near you!

­Staten Island, New York Independence Day Events:
July 4, 2008 – Independence Day Celebration
July 4, 2008 – Independence Day Concert
July 4, 2008 – Travis 4th of July Parade
July 5, 2008 – Declaration of Independence Our Annual Reading – South Shore
July 6, 2008 – Declaration of Independence Our Annual Reading – North Shore
July 4, 2008 – Travis Fourth of July Celebration

Link to article: http://www.americantowns.com/ny/statenisland/news/find-some-star-spangled-fun-107583

Free Events – Summer 2008 in Staten Island – Back to the Beach, Fireworks, Starlight Concerts and Boogie Woogie Wednesdays!

BEACH CONCERTS – FIREWORKS!

• Friday, August 8th:  * South Beach Boardwalk*
• 7:00 p.m. – “The Expressions”
• 8:00 p.m. – “Kenny Vance and The Planotones”
• 9:00 p.m. – FIREWORKS! (Rain Date: August 9th)
• Thursday, August 28th *South Beach Boardwalk *
• 6:30 -7:30 p.m. – “Project 19″
• 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. “Joe Bonanno & the Godsons of Soul”
• 8:30 p.m. FIREWORKS! (Rain Date: August 29th)

Check out Governor’s Island on July 5th! See the New York Philharmonic!
The New York Philharmonic will perform a free show on Governor’s Island beginning at 6:30 pm. The concert will take place on the Parade Grounds overlooking the Statue of Liberty, Lower Manhattan skyline, and Brooklyn waterfront. Ferries leave from the Battery Maritime Building next to the Staten Island Ferry terminal.

Bonus: Spend your afternoon exploring the island, which features sixteen acres of recreational facilities and a mile esplanade for jogging and walking. Bring your picnic baskets and snag an early seat to one of this summer’s most anticipated concerts.

 

CHILDREN’S DAY – at the Carousel for All Children -located in Willowbrook Park
at Eton Place, off Richmond Avenue

• Sunday, August 3rd
• 2-3 p.m. – “Presley & Melody and Baby Dolls” Children’s Show (featuring Hannah Montana Tribute)
• 3-5 p.m. – Free Activities FACE PAINTING, GAMES, TEMPORARY TATOOS, ARTS & CRAFTS, STILT WALKERS, BALLOON MOBILE, AND MUCH MORE! (Rain Date: August 10th)

BOOGIE WOOGIE WEDNESDAYS! – STATEN ISLAND CHILDREN’S MUSEUM * WEDNESDAY NIGHTS* 7 P.M.

• July  9TH – Salsa
• July 16th Gypsy/Flamenco/Belly Dancing
• July 23rd – Afro-Peruvian Dance
• July 30th – Irish Step Dancing
• August 6th – Mambo
• August 13th – Zumba
• August 20th – Northern Indian: Kathak
• August 27th – Hip Hop Dance

STARLIGHT CONCERTS – THURSDAY NIGHTS

• Thursday, July 10th – Silver Lake Park, 8-10 p.m. “Just Friends” “Head Over Heels”
• Thursday, July 17th – Clove Lakes Park, 8-10 p.m. “Juke Box Heroes”
• Thursday, July 24th – Snug Harbor Cultural Center, 8-10 p.m. “Mighty String Demons” “United We Sing” USO Tribute “Danny Rodriquez”
• Thursday, July 31st – Alice Austen House, 7:30 – 10 p.m. “Witness” “Alive n’ Kickin”
• Thursday, August 7th – Westerleigh Park, 7:30 – 10 p.m. “The Blue Meanies” “Alan Quin Orchestra”
• Thursday, August 14th – Conference House Park, 8-10 p.m. “Diva Express” “Parkside Symphony”
• Thursday, August 21st – Silver Lake Park 7:30-10 p.m. “The Four Pops” “Vince Vaccaro” Tribute to Bobby Darin

BACK TO THE BEACH CELEBRATIONS, August, 2008 Midland Beach – Sea Turtle Circle

12 Noon to 9:00 p.m. Father Capodanno Blvd. at Jefferson Avenue – All New Games & Rides on Baseball Field * Live Music * Delicious Food * Flea Market

Saturday, August 16th:

• 2-3p.m. – “Yesterday’s Dream”
• 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – “Barbara Harris & the Toys”
• 5-6 .m. – “Brooklyn Horns”
• 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. – “Bronx Wanderers” Tribute to the Belmonts
• 8-9:p.m. “Simply the Best” Tribute to Tina Turner
• 9:00 P.M. FIREWORKS!!!

Sunday, August 17th

• 2-3 p.m. “Circle of Friends”
• 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. “Tuesdays at Eight”
• 5-6 p.m. – “Big Frank & the Healers”
• 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. “Brooklyn Keys”
• 8-9 p.m. – “The Passions”