America’s last big milestone birthday happened in 1976. And if you’re old enough to remember the bicentennial celebration, well, the odds are slim that you’ll make it to the tricentennial.

But you’re in luck! The nation’s semiquincentennial – its 250th birthday – is just weeks away. And 250 is just as cool – if not cooler – than 300.

But whether it’s a milestone celebration or not, each additional candle on Uncle Sam’s birthday cake is a testament to the courage and fortitude of our Founding Fathers and this great democratic experiment of ours. Remember: if the British had won, the Founding Fathers wouldn’t be who they are today; they’d just be a bunch of rebels who were hung for treason. Yikes!

Indeed, every Fourth of July is special, but this one seems particularly so.

So why not take in one of several local fireworks displays and as you watch the colors bursting in the nighttime sky, think about those “bombs bursting in air” and imagine what Francis Scott Key must’ve felt as he watched the British siege at Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore in 1814.

Here’s a list of some fireworks displays throughout the 209:

Turlock – The annual downtown parade will take place at 6:30 p.m. on July 3, followed by a fireworks show. The Friday parade will begin with opening ceremonies honoring local veterans and active-duty military, followed by a patriotic procession of floats and bands down Main Street. Parade attendees can then head to the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds for a festival and fireworks show, also on July 3. A car show that will feature restored classic cars will be held on July 4 in downtown Turlock, alongside the Turlock Certified Farmers Market and the maker’s market on either side of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.

Modesto – Just as they do every Friday night home game, the Modesto Roadsters will host a fireworks display on July 4, following the conclusion of their Pioneer League game against the Oakland Ballers at Modern Woodmen Field (former John Thurman Field). Gates open at 6 p.m. and first pitch is at 7:11.

Don Pedro – Turlock Irrigation District is one of the sponsors for the 2026 Fireworks on the Water show that will begin 9:30 p.m. on July 4. Parking is limited so plan to arrive early: $40 per vehicle or $20 per vessel.

Gustine — This westside community will host its annual parade down Main Street and North Avenue starting at 10:30 a.m. July 4. Fireworks after dusk with folks admitted into the high school campus. There will be food trucks. Gates open at 6 p.m. at Gustine High School Stadium. It’s a little bigger and a little bit better.

Atwater – For over 60 years the Atwater 4th of July Festival has brought together tens of thousands of people to celebrate independence. The celebration begins at 7:30 a.m. July 4 with the Run for Independence at Ralston Park in Atwater. To register, visit: mercedrunningclub.com. The run will be followed by the Annual Fourth of July Parade at 9 a.m. A festival will be held in Ralston Park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the concert and fireworks show is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Castle Commerce Center.

Blaker Brewing and The Tarmac Venue will host the Red, White & Brews event from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. July 4 at the Atwater location. The event will include craft beer, fantastic food and phenomenal fireworks. The event is family friendly with plenty for all to experience, complete with games, entertainment and family-friendly food. Tickets are $23.18. Youth under 16 are free with a ticketed adult.

Oakdale — Head out to Woodward Reservoir, 14528 26-Mile Road, north of Oakdale, for a July 4 show. The fireworks traditionally begin about 9:30 p.m., so plan to get there early and settle in for the display. Cost is $25 per vehicle and the fireworks are presented over the water at Woodward. More information is available at stancountyparks.com.

FIVE MOVIES TO WATCH

“The Patriot” (2000)

–Mel Gibson plays the titular character, an American patriot named Benjamin Martin who is a widower and the father of seven children. A veteran of the French and Indian War, Martin wants nothing more than live out his days in peace. But when his oldest son is swept up in the Revolutionary fervor and joins the Continental Army, Martin also takes up the cause against the Redcoats.

“The Crossing” (2000)

–Jeff Daniels gives an underrated performance as George Washington during the Battle of Trenton and the crossing of the Delaware River. Fun fact: Two future presidents took part in the crossing of the Delaware. Gen. George Washington, of course, and a young lieutenant in the Continental Army named James Monroe, who would serve as Washington’s ambassador to France and later become the nation’s fifth president.

“1776” (1972)

–This adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical focuses on the summer of 1776 and the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Just don’t be shocked when you see Benjamin Franklin burst into song … it’s a musical.

“Yankee Doodle Dandy” (1942)

–OK, so George M. Cohan was actually born on July 3, and told a little fib about being a “real live nephew of his Uncle Sam” who was “born on the Fourth of July.” The great James Cagney, in an Oscar-winning performance, portrays Cohan, the actor, singer, dancer, composer, playwright, and theatrical producer who was one of America’s greatest all-around entertainers.

“Johnny Tremain” (1957)

–This one’s for the kids. Based on the Esther Forbes novel, “Johnny Tremain” is the story of a young silversmith apprentice who joins the colonies’ cause and joins the fight for independence.

Are you a Minute Man or a Redcoat?

Want to test your knowledge of American Revolution era trivia? Find out where you rank: 0-7 questions answered correctly? Uh, maybe the Redcoats are hiring. 8-13 answered correctly? We’ll give you a musket, but we’re sending you to Valley Forge. 14-19 correct? You’re a Founding Father and should definitely be wearing a powdered wig and writing with a quill. 20-25? Let’s carve your face into the side of a mountain!

1. Who was the ruler of Great Britan when the rumblings of independence first began in the American colonies?
2. What famous line did Patrick Henry deliver at the Second Virginia Convention?
3. What was dumped into Boston Harbor on Dec. 16, 1773, to protest Britain taxing the colonies?
4. Which revolutionary group responsible for the Boston Tea Party was founded by Samuel Adams?
5. What is the name of the man who made a midnight ride to warn Massachusetts residents the British were coming?
6. Revere was informed that the British were coming by a code in the steeple of Old North Church in Boston. What was the code?
7. What was the start date of the Revolutionary War?
8. Who led the Continental Army during the war?
9. What was the slang term used for British soldiers during the Revolution?
10. The Declaration of Independence was finalized on July 4, 1776, but on which date did the Continental Congress actually vote to declare themselves independent of Great Britain?
11. On which day was the Declaration of Independence actually signed?
12. How many signatures are on the Declaration of Independence?
13. Who is largely credited as the author the Declaration of Independence?
14. Which river did George Washington and his soldiers in the Continental Army cross on Christmas night of 1776, in a surprise attack against the British?
15. Where did the Continental Army stay during the brutal winter of 1777–1778?
16. During which battle did the British surrender to the Continental Army on October 19, 1781?
17. Which six men are considered the core Founding Fathers of America?
18. Which Founding Father believed that July 2 was the correct day on which to celebrate America’s independence and refused to appear at Fourth of July events?
19. James Madison was a major contributor to which critical U.S. document?

20. Who was the last of the Founding Fathers to be president?

21. How many times does the Liberty Bell ring on each Independence Day?

22. Which state was the first to declare the Fourth of July a state holiday?

23. How many U.S. presidents died on the Fourth of July?

24. Which U.S. president was born on the Fourth of July?

25. What is the largest Fourth of July fireworks display in the U.S.?

ANSWERS

1. King George III.
2. “Give me liberty or give me death!”
3. Tea.
4. The Sons of Liberty.
5. Paul Revere.
6. One (lantern) if by land, two (lanterns) if by sea.
7. April 19, 1775.
8. George Washington.
9. The Redcoats.
10. July 2, 1776.
11. Aug. 2, 1776.
12. 56.
13. Thomas Jefferson.
14. The Delaware River.
15. Valley Forge.
16. The Battle of Yorktown.
17. George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton.
18. John Adams.
19. The Constitution.
20. James Monroe, our nation’s fifth president.
21. 13 times.
22. Massachusetts.
23. Three: John Adams (July 4, 1826), Thomas Jefferson (July 4, 1826) and James Monroe (July 4, 1831).
24. Calvin Coolidge (July 4, 1872).
25. The Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks celebration in New York City.