7 Sizzling July 4th Celebrations in St. Louis

There’s no other holiday quite like the 4th of July. Founding Father John Adams wrote in 1776 that the day “ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

It’s safe to say that Americans have taken his words to heart. From low-key family picnics and barbecues to parades that shut down city streets and majestic fireworks that explode high in the sky, the 4th of July has become every bit the celebration that Adams envisioned it to be. Here in St. Louis there are an abundance of fun-filled and family-friendly festivities taking place during the extended holiday weekend, so grab your kids and make the time to celebrate all things red, white and blue:

1. Webster Groves Community Days: The 2013 Webster Groves Community Days will run from Wednesday, July 3 – Saturday, July 6 at Memorial Park in Webster, and includes barbecue, carnival rides, and even a Family Night on July 3rd. A parade is scheduled for July 4th at 10 a.m., and fireworks will light up the sky on July 4th and 6th at 9:30 p.m.

2. St. Charles Riverfest: The city of St. Charles kicks into high gear on the 4th of July, starting with a parade down Main Street at 10 a.m. and concluding with the popular Riverfest in Frontier Park from 5-10:30 p.m. Live entertainment, food and vendor booths, and an appearance by Fredbird are all part of the fun, but the spectacular display of fireworks over the Missouri River (which begins at 9:20 p.m.) is the main attraction.

3. Fair Saint Louis: Billed as “three days of free family fun under the majestic Gateway Arch,” Fair Saint Louis is the largest 4th of July celebration in our area. If you’re willing to brave the crowds on the Arch grounds July 4-6, be sure to check out family favorites like the air shows, the Family Fun Run, and the Kids Zone. And don’t forget the nightly fireworks over the Mississippi River – they recently made the Reader’s Digest list of America’s Most Spectacular Fourth of July Fireworks.

4. Heritage and Freedom Fest in O’Fallon: Carnival rides, free kids’ activities, live entertainment, family-friendly-shows, and a 4th of July parade are all part of the fun at the city of O’Fallon’s Heritage and Freedom Fest, which takes place Tuesday, July 2 - Thursday, July 4 at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex. Firework shows will begin at 10:15 p.m. on July 3rd and 9:30 p.m. on the 4th of July.

5. Mississippi River Fireworks Festival in Alton: Want to see some fireworks from the East side? Then head to Riverfront Park in Alton for live music, great food, a beer tent and, of course, fireworks. Grounds open at 5 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Call 618-465-6676 for more information.

6. Ferguson 4th of July Festival: The city of Ferguson celebrates Independence Day with a morning parade followed by a full day of food, games, and entertainment at January-Wabash Park. This year’s festival theme is “Off to the Races,” and fireworks will fill the sky over the park at 9:15 p.m.

7. Community fireworks displays: Prefer to keep your celebration a little more low-key? Nearly every small community has its own fireworks display, so even if you choose to skip the crowds and carnivals you can still celebrate by watching a few fireworks with friends and family. Fire up the grill, pop open some cold beverages, and if you're really lucky, you might even be able to view these luminous symbols of our national pride from the comfort of your own back yard. Happy 4th of July!