Jaunted - Tag: Fireworks

Rebel Travel: Remember, Remember, the Fifth of November

BS — 2008-10-21T10:05:48-05:00

Most American celebration plans are currently focused on Election Day parties or Thanksgiving dinners, but if you're looking for more of an escape-minded November, Britons are prepping for one of their fave holidays: Guy Fawkes Day.

Celebrated every November 5, the holiday marks the anniversary of a rebel plan to blow up Parliament 403 years ago. The plot was foiled, and the UK went on to live at least another few centuries.

Since Britain doesn't have an independence day like all the countries it used to control, Guy Fawkes Day will have to do. Every November 5, British patriots--and "V for Vendetta" fans--light up the country's sky with massive bonfires and firework displays. Check out some of the biggest in London, Glasgow or Somerset County.

Related Stories:
· London Guy Fawkes Day [Official Site]
· Glasgow Guy Fawkes Day [Official Site]
· Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Day [Official Site]
· UK Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Y Canada News]

Independence: Fourth of July Travel: Independence Day in Independence

kjb — 2008-07-03T11:35:10-05:00

The weekend's finally here! By now you should've finalized some sort of holiday action plan, but here's one last Fourth of July suggestion: Independence, Iowa. With just over 6,000 residents at last count, the town is certainly small, but as they say, "Everybody observes the Fourth of July, we celebrate it!"

CA: Fourth of July Travel: SoCal Edition

kjb — 2008-07-01T09:35:09-05:00

If you can't decide on a place to celebrate the Fourth of July this year, then give Southern California a chance to impress. It's probably the only place where you can see some fireworks, hit a beach celebration, catch a baseball game and stop at an amusement park.

Start out the SoCal celebrations at the July 4th Fireworks Spectacular: A Ball at the Bowl with the LA Dodgers. The Los Angeles Philharmonic celebrates the team's 50th anniversary with greats from team history along with baseball music. They also welcome special guest Randy Newman. The festivities take place July 2-4 and each evening ends with, what else, fireworks. Tickets will run you at least $10 for this one.

Naples: Shopping in Naples: Pyrotechnics with Training Wheels

CourtScott — 2008-06-26T12:00:06-05:00

Any Italy travel guide will advise you not to linger in the dodgier section of Naples near the Napoli Centrale train station. But we decided to ignore that suggestion, and after last night's stroll through the littered area, we did find some redeeming qualities. Like Carmine's fireworks bazaar in Piazza Mercato, your one-stop-shop for pyrotechnics and... kiddie tricycles?

Philadelphia: Celebrating the Phourth of July

kjb — 2008-06-26T10:15:06-05:00

When it comes to the Fourth of July, Philadelphia doesn't mess around. Things get started this Friday and continue through July 6 thanks to the celebration known as the Sunoco Welcome America Festival. This weekend there are family events during the day and free outdoor movies each night at different locations around the city, including a screening of "Rocky" on Saturday night.

HI: Fourth of July Travel: Goin' Quackers in Hawaii

kjb — 2008-06-24T09:45:01-05:00

If you love the Big Island of Hawaii and rubber duckies, then have we got a Fourth of July celebration for you: the 17th Annual Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race. The whole day is filled with family fun including face painting, duck waddling contests and free-style quacking. There's even free popcorn and cotton candy.

The main draw of the event comes during the afternoon when the plastic ducks are released. The top 50 finishers are eligible for prizes, including a week-long stay at an Outrigger Villa or the Hilton Waikoloa Village. If your duck doesn't come in first, hope it comes in 17th, as that will get you 17 $100 bills.

Best of all, the proceeds from the event go to the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii. Last year the group was able to raise almost $40,000 for charity. Ducks start at $5 per bird, or get a $20 "quack pack" which includes three ducks and a shirt. If you didn't get up at the, uh, quack of dawn (sorry!), then you'll be able to stay up and enjoy the fireworks display around 9 pm.

Related Stories:
· Fourth of July Revelers Can Find Family Fun at Waikoloa Resort [Star Bulletin]
· Waikoloa Beach Resort [Official Site]
· Fourth of July coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: bitmap78]

Fourth of July Travel: Stuck in the City Edition

kjb — 2008-06-20T13:30:01-05:00

We've talked about how great the fireworks offerings are at beaches around the country this year. Unfortunately, sometimes there's just no escape from the urban jungle. But there's no need to panic, fireworks fans, as lots of big cities do a great job of making you feel all warm and fuzzy without having your toes in the sand.

Where better to start than the nation's capital? DC starts the celebration with America's National Independence Day Parade at 11:45 am. With more than 300,000 people expected, the parade makes its way down Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets, passing landmarks like the Washington Monument.

Make a day of it and hang around until about quarter after 9 pm when the fireworks are launched from behind the Lincoln Memorial. Head over to the National Mall after the parade to get the best spot.