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Independence Day, a federal holiday that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in 1776, has been celebrated for more than 230 years. Some traditions are still practiced today such as picnics, fireworks, barbecues, parades, carnivals, family reunions and, of course, the all-American favorite: baseball games.
Citizens in Bristol, R.I., July 4, 1777, fired 13 guns first in the morning and then again later in the evening. This is called a 13- gun salute. Philadelphia celebrated its first Independence Day by holding a dinner for the Continental Congress that included speeches, toasts, a 13-gun salute, prayers and fireworks. Even the ships in the harbor were decked out with red, white and blue streamers and ribbons. Then in 1778 on July 4, Gen. George Washington ordered double rum rations for his troops and an artillery salute. John Adams and Benjamin Franklin held a dinner in Paris for their American comrades.
The Massachusetts General Court became the first state legislature to recognize July 4 as a state celebration in 1781. The term Independence Day was recorded for the first time in 1791.
The U.S. Congress made Independence Day a non-paid federal holiday in 1870, then changed it to a paid federal holiday in 1938.
Details have changed slightly throughout the years but some things have not, such as the love of shooting off fireworks. One thing that has not changed is the fact that in order to celebrate safely rules must be obeyed. According to information supplied by Jan Selleck, Grain Valley Codes Department inspections assistant, the following rules apply to those using fireworks within the Grain Valley city limits during the July 4 holiday.
n Fireworks shall only be sold seven days before the holiday and must end by 11 p.m. on July 5th every year.
n Shooting fireworks shall be allowed from 1 -11 p.m., July 3 and during the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., July 4 and 5.
n It shall be unlawful for any person to throw or place fireworks, including pyrotechnic devices in such a manner that the explosion will be likely to endanger or cause injury to any person or property.
n It shall be unlawful for anyone to sell, use, shoot off, any device referred to as a bottle rocket or night parachute in the city of Grain Valley.
If you are planning to purchase fireworks for your holiday celebration Grain Valley has two stands this year. Proceeds from both stands will go to support worthwhile community programs. The football boosters have a stand south of I-70 on the west side of Main Street right across from the GV Police Station. The band boosters have teamed up with the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce and will be selling fireworks at a stand on the corner of Sni-A-Bar and S.W. Eagles Parkway across from Casey’s.
Have a blast this Independence Day, be safe, and please follow the Grain Valley city ordinances concerning fireworks.
Independence Day, a federal holiday that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in 1776, has been celebrated for more than 230 years. Some traditions are still practiced today such as picnics, fireworks, barbecues, parades, carnivals, family reunions and, of course, the all-American favorite: baseball games.
Citizens in Bristol, R.I., July 4, 1777, fired 13 guns first in the morning and then again later in the evening. This is called a 13- gun salute. Philadelphia celebrated its first Independence Day by holding a dinner for the Continental Congress that included speeches, toasts, a 13-gun salute, prayers and fireworks. Even the ships in the harbor were decked out with red, white and blue streamers and ribbons. Then in 1778 on July 4, Gen. George Washington ordered double rum rations for his troops and an artillery salute. John Adams and Benjamin Franklin held a dinner in Paris for their American comrades.
The Massachusetts General Court became the first state legislature to recognize July 4 as a state celebration in 1781. The term Independence Day was recorded for the first time in 1791.
The U.S. Congress made Independence Day a non-paid federal holiday in 1870, then changed it to a paid federal holiday in 1938.
Details have changed slightly throughout the years but some things have not, such as the love of shooting off fireworks. One thing that has not changed is the fact that in order to celebrate safely rules must be obeyed. According to information supplied by Jan Selleck, Grain Valley Codes Department inspections assistant, the following rules apply to those using fireworks within the Grain Valley city limits during the July 4 holiday.
n Fireworks shall only be sold seven days before the holiday and must end by 11 p.m. on July 5th every year.
n Shooting fireworks shall be allowed from 1 -11 p.m., July 3 and during the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., July 4 and 5.
n It shall be unlawful for any person to throw or place fireworks, including pyrotechnic devices in such a manner that the explosion will be likely to endanger or cause injury to any person or property.
n It shall be unlawful for anyone to sell, use, shoot off, any device referred to as a bottle rocket or night parachute in the city of Grain Valley.
If you are planning to purchase fireworks for your holiday celebration Grain Valley has two stands this year. Proceeds from both stands will go to support worthwhile community programs. The football boosters have a stand south of I-70 on the west side of Main Street right across from the GV Police Station. The band boosters have teamed up with the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce and will be selling fireworks at a stand on the corner of Sni-A-Bar and S.W. Eagles Parkway across from Casey’s.
Have a blast this Independence Day, be safe, and please follow the Grain Valley city ordinances concerning fireworks.
