July 4th Indepenence Day
Independence Day, the only holiday that celebrates the United States, is a national holiday marked by patriotic displays. Similar to other summer-themed events, Independence Day celebrations often take place outdoors. Independence Day is a federal holiday, so all non-essential federal institutions (like the postal service and federal courts) are closed on that day. Many politicians make it a point on this day to appear at a public event to praise the nation's heritage, laws, history, society, and people.
Families often celebrate Independence Day with a picnic or barbecue, and take advantage of the day off and in some years, long weekend to gather with relatives. Decorations (e.g., streamers, balloons, and clothing) are generally colored red, white, and blue, the colors of the American flag. Parades often are in the morning, while fireworks displays occur in the evening at such places as parks, fairgrounds, or town squares.
Independence Day fireworks are often accompanied by patriotic songs such as the national anthem ("The Star-Spangled Banner"), "God Bless America", "America the Beautiful", "My Country, 'Tis of Thee", "This Land Is Your Land", "Stars and Stripes Forever", and, regionally, "Yankee Doodle" in northeastern states and "Dixie" in southern states. Some of the lyrics recall images of the Revolutionary War or the War of 1812.
Firework shows are held in many states, and many fireworks are sold for personal use or as an alternative to a public show. Safety concerns have led some states to ban fireworks or limit the sizes and types allowed. Illicit traffic transfers many fireworks from less restrictive states.
Major displays are held in New York on the East River, in Chicago on Lake Michigan, Boston on the Charles River, and on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. During the annual Windsor-Detroit International Freedom Festival, Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario host one of the world's largest fireworks displays, over the Detroit River, to celebrate both American Independence Day and Canada Day.
When the holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, although nearly all corporate businesses and government functions remain open, many people take off an extra day to make for a four-day summer weekend. This is less common when the holiday falls on a Wednesday (as occurred in 2007), although business activity for the week as a whole tends to slow down as some people extend it into a week-long vacation. When the holiday falls on a Sunday, many (but not all) people have off on Monday, in lieu of the holiday. Some businesses close on Friday when the holiday falls on Saturday, although that is not as common (some close on Monday, but that is even less common), during these years many people only receive a two day weekend.
Montauk Shark Fishing Trip Sat. Aug. 2, 2008 ****Only 2 spots left****
"THIS IS NOT A BOOZE CRUISE"
There will be plenty of that after the trip. The cost for the charter aboard the "November Rain" will be about $250.00 a man. (includes all bait, tackle and gratuities for the mate) We are responsible for our own food and beverages. Plan to overnight at Uihlein's Motel, (Bill's cousin) arrive in Montauk Friday night 8/1, Boat leaves the dock at 5:30 am SHARP, returning between 4 and 5:00pm, you can choose to head home after the trip or spend the night relaxing and drinking in Montauk. Motel prices are $207.00 per night 2 guys to a room, I need to know ASAP, so I can reserve the necessary rooms. You can choose to travel out to Montauk on the day of the trip, keep in mind that the boat leaves at 5:30am, with or without you. Shark and tuna are not for the faint of heart, upper body strength is manditory, as are sea legs and an immunity to sea sickness. This is offshore fishing at it's finest. Remember what Chief Brody said to Capt. Quint..."Your gonna need a bigger boat". See Capt. Ken for details and to reserve your spot. $100.00 deposit for each person required to hold a spot on the boat. Another $100.00 to hold your room! First come first served.
