By: Cara McErlean

Nothing screams “America” more than hotdogs and fireworks.

The 4th of July is a day to celebrate our nation’s birth, remember our history, and honor our military. The holiday commemorates the day our 13 original colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence and began regarding themselves as a new nation. Nowadays, the 4th of July, also known as Independence Day, is a great holiday to spend time with family and do your favorite summer activities. Here in the midstate, there are many different ways to celebrate our nation’s birthday. Here are just a few:

HersheyPark Fireworks

HersheyPark will be celebrating the 4th of July with a fireworks display beginning at 10:15 pm. The fireworks are best viewed from inside the park but are also visible from outside. Good viewing grounds include the field in front of the Medical Center and the High School parking lot.

Hersheypark will be setting off fireworks as a finale to their “Star Spangled Picni” on July 4th. Photo courtesy of Hersheypark.

All you can eat “Star-Spangled Picnic” at Hersheypark

For $15 per person, families can enjoy a spread of hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork BBQ, fruit salad, potato salad, chips, and ice cream. The event will be held at the Pioneer Frontier Catering Pavilion at Hersheypark.
Senators Game

The Harrisburg Senators will be playing the Erie Seawolves at 7 pm on the 4th of July. Tickets are half off to current and retired members of the military and there will be a fireworks display after the game. Nothing is more “Americana” than America’s favorite game, making this the perfect way to celebrate Independence Day. Check out the season schedule here.

Lancaster Barnstormers Game

If you prefer Lancaster to City Island, the Barnstormers will be playing the Long Island Ducks at 7 pm. There will be a number of special promotions at the game, including $24 Lancaster Pizza Company pizza,pinball tickets, a glow in the dark baseball cap giveaway for kids, $20 Hess’s all-you-can eat BBQ, and of course the traditional fireworks.
Visit a Historical Sight

For history lovers, Independence Day is the perfect time to brush up on your knowledge of our nation’s past. The 153 Annual Gettysburg Battle Anniversary Reenactment will take place on July 1, 2, and 3. Although the 4th of July is more related to the Revolutionary War than the Civil War, visiting Gettysburg is still a great way to commemorate America’s military history. The performance will consist of realistic costumes and warfare and will be open to spectators as well as reenactors. Ticket pricing can be found here.