Happy Fourth of July, NOOGA. 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 + FYI, it’s legal to shoot fireworks that don’t require a pyrotechnic license in the city limits before 11:30 p.m.)

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.

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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 NOOGA:

○ Independence Day Fireworks: Lookouts Game | 6:15- 10 p.m. | AT&T Field, 201 Power Alley | $3-$9 ⚾

○ 4th of July Brunch at Food Works | 11-4 p.m. | Food Works, 205 Manufacturers Road | $1 mimosas, $3.50 Bloody Marys

○ July 4th Chattanooga Singles Meetup | 6-10 p.m. | Station Street | Free | Behold the Brave will play + there will be food, drinks and games. 🎇

○ Lookout Valley July 4th Celebration | 5-10:30 p.m. | John A. Patten Recreation Center | 3202 Kellys Ferry Road | Free 🎆

○ Red, White and Blue Day | 12-4 p.m. | Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut St. | $14.95 per person ages 2+ 🇺🇸