Happy Fourth of July, LAL. Today, we’re giving you the historical low-down on the nation’s most patriotic day – plus a bonus round-up of all of the events that are guaranteed to shine brighter than a firework. (Do be sure to review and adhere to all safety regulations regarding fireworks in your area).

On this day in 1776, the thirteen colonies already settled in America said “see ya” to England – which set them up to eventually form the good ole’ U.S. of A.

The Founding Fathers actually made the decision to break free from the Brits on July 2, but it took some time to edit + approve the official Declaration of Independence (likely due in part to the lack of a spell-check tool or backspace button). The final version was then signed (where we get the phrase put your “John Hancock” on it) + shared with the public on July 4. This makes the U.S. 243 years old today.

Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation | .gif via giphy

For a while (162 years), Independence Day wasn’t officially observed by the federal government. A formal bill recognizing it as a holiday (among others like Christmas) was signed into effect by FDR in 1938.

For all of us far-removed from the colonial era, today is a day to celebrate the dog days of summer. And luckily, there are plenty of ways to do that – here are the top Fourth of July events taking place around LAL:

Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza with Lakeland Flying Tigers | 5 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | $5.50+ | Celebrate with a performance from The Sofa Kings and a fireworks show. ⚾

City of Davenport 4th of July Celebration | 3-9:30 p.m. | Lewis Mathews Sports Complex, 400 E. Palm St., Davenport | Free | Bring your own lawn chair for a night of the Declaration of Independence reading, a Studio C Dance Company performance + more. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.

Lake Wales 4th of July Festivities & Fireworks | 2-9:30 p.m. | Lake Wailes Park, 33 N. Lakeshore Blvd., Lake Wales| Free | A day of pony rides, food, face painting, DJ parties, and a fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. 🐴

Thunder on the Ridge | 3-9:30 p.m. | Lake Eva Park, 303 Ledwith Ave., Haines City | Free | Featuring cold beer, live entertainment, children’s activities, fireworks display + more.

Bartow 4th of July Independence Day Celebration | 4:45-9:30 p.m. | Mosaic Park, 2250 S. Floral Ave., Bartow | Free | Enjoy a free adult concert at the Bartow Civic Center as an added bonus at 2:30 p.m.

Dundee July 4th Celebration with Fireworks | 2-9 p.m. | Dundee Community Center, 603 Lake Marie Blvd., Dundee | Free | Live performances, food vendors, inflatables, local crafters + artisans, and a special fireworks show at 9:20 p.m.

Auburndale 4th of July Celebration | 12-9:30 p.m. | Lake Ariana Park | Free | Bring out the family for a watermelon eating contest, food trucks, waterslides, sack races, dodgeball + fireworks at 9 p.m. 🍉

Red, White, and Boom | July 4-6 | 10 a.m.-9 p.m. | LEGOLAND, 1 Legoland Way | $84.99+ | Create an American flag out of thousands of LEGO bricks, salute our troops during the Battle for Brickbeard’s Bounty ski show, and wear special viewing glasses while watching bricks explode from the sky above Lake Eloise. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. 🇺🇸

– LALtoday team (Jessica + Kaylee)