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  • Clayton Frye of Newport News carries his beach stuffs at...

    Sangjib Min, Daily Press

    Clayton Frye of Newport News carries his beach stuffs at Huntington Beach in Newport News on Monday, July 3, 2006.

  • A crowd estimated at more than 1,000 listeners filled the...

    Daily Press

    A crowd estimated at more than 1,000 listeners filled the Merchants Square on Monday evening, July 2, 2007, for the annual Independence Day concert by the USAF Heritage of America Concert Band from Langley Air Force Base, VA.

  • Ryan M. Kelly, Daily Press

  • The grandmother of celebrations

    RICH TSONG-TAATARII, DAILY PRESS

    The grandmother of celebrations

  • Gabe Ward, 3, poses for a picture before the 4th...

    Adam Pennavaria / Daily Press

    Gabe Ward, 3, poses for a picture before the 4th of July celebration at Fort Monroe in Hampton, Va., on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

  • Ryan M. Kelly, Daily Press

  • Ryan M. Kelly, Daily Press

  • Neighborly Independence Day In Hampton Roads; Tad and Rita Foringer...

    Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press

    Neighborly Independence Day In Hampton Roads; Tad and Rita Foringer of Hampton watch the fireworks at Fort Monroe

  • Uncle Sam a.k.a Mark Irwin leads the Fourth of July...

    Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press

    Uncle Sam a.k.a Mark Irwin leads the Fourth of July parade down Chesapeake Avenue, escorted by Audrey Smith, 3. The annual event is held in the Merrimack Shores neighborhood in Hampton.

  • Visitors to at Busch Gardens Friday night were treated to...

    Rob Ostermaier / Daily Press

    Visitors to at Busch Gardens Friday night were treated to an Independence Day fireworks show.

  • Luke Gere helps his sister launch a kite Friday on...

    Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press

    Luke Gere helps his sister launch a kite Friday on the beach at Fort Monroe. Luke and his family spent the afternoon at the beach waiting for the Independence Day fireworks.

  • Chandler Graham is dressed up and ready for the annual...

    Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press

    Chandler Graham is dressed up and ready for the annual Fourth of July parade along Chesapeake Ave in the Merrimac Shores neighborhood of Hampton

  • Ryan M. Kelly, Daily Press

  • Ryan M. Kelly, Daily Press

  • Event attendees watch the fireworks display during the 4th of...

    Adam Pennavaria / Daily Press

    Event attendees watch the fireworks display during the 4th of July celebration at Fort Monroe in Hampton, Va., on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

  • Odis Stowers poses for a picture before the 4th of...

    Adam Pennavaria / Daily Press

    Odis Stowers poses for a picture before the 4th of July celebration at Fort Monroe in Hampton, Va., on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

  • Event attendees film the fireworks display on their phones during...

    Adam Pennavaria / Daily Press

    Event attendees film the fireworks display on their phones during the 4th of July celebration at Fort Monroe in Hampton, Va., on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

  • esse Garcia and Jarrett Bowling play a game of cornhole...

    Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press

    esse Garcia and Jarrett Bowling play a game of cornhole as they wait for the 4th of July fireworks Friday on Fort Monoro.

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  • Former members of the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums perform...

    Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press

    Former members of the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums perform Friday for the 50th anniversary of the group in 2008. Former members from across the country gather for a reunion and to perform for Independence Day celebrations.

  • Gabe Ward, 3, chases some bubbels before the 4th of...

    Adam Pennavaria / Daily Press

    Gabe Ward, 3, chases some bubbels before the 4th of July celebration at Fort Monroe in Hampton, Va., on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

  • Emery D'urso won an award for his decorated bike Saturday...

    Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press

    Emery D'urso won an award for his decorated bike Saturday after riding in the annual Fourth of July parade in the Merrimack Shores in 2009.

  • Clouds move in towards Fort Monroe before the 4th of...

    Adam Pennavaria / Daily Press

    Clouds move in towards Fort Monroe before the 4th of July celebration in Hampton, Va., on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

  • Lauren McCain and her sister Abby found a cool place...

    JOE FUDGE, Daily Press

    Lauren McCain and her sister Abby found a cool place to shade themselves from the heat at Ft. Monroe's Fourth of July celebraton in 2002.

  • Members of the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums entertain the...

    Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press

    Members of the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums entertain the crowd gathered for Independence Day celebrations in Williamsburg in 2008.

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  • Fireworks are launced from the walls of Fort Monroe in...

    Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press

    Fireworks are launced from the walls of Fort Monroe in celebration of Independance Day Friday evening.

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  • John Hertzler, left, of Newport News and his son, Benjamin...

    Sangjib Min, Daily Press

    John Hertzler, left, of Newport News and his son, Benjamin watch a fireworks display during the Independence Day celebration in downtown Newport News in 2006

  • E.J. Naugle, 5, rides his decorated bike along Chesapeake Avenue...

    Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press

    E.J. Naugle, 5, rides his decorated bike along Chesapeake Avenue during the annual Fourth of July parade in the Merrimack Shores neighborhood on Hampton in 2009.

  • Spectators watch a fireworks display at Victory Landing Park in...

    Sangjib Min, Daily Press

    Spectators watch a fireworks display at Victory Landing Park in Newport News on July 4, 2012.

  • Ryan M. Kelly, Daily Press

  • Ryan M. Kelly, Daily Press

  • Ryan M. Kelly, Daily Press

  • Musician First Class Ross Hartig of the U.S. Fleet Navy...

    Adam Pennavaria / Daily Press

    Musician First Class Ross Hartig of the U.S. Fleet Navy band Four Star Edition salutes after performing the National Anthem before the 4th of July celebration at Fort Monroe in Hampton, Va., on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

  • Denver Farley of Hampton rides his decorated bike Friday at...

    Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press

    Denver Farley of Hampton rides his decorated bike Friday at Fort Monroe while waiting for the 4th of July fireworks.

  • Partons at the Smithfield Ice Cream Parlor enjoy a frozen...

    Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press

    Partons at the Smithfield Ice Cream Parlor enjoy a frozen treat on the Independence Day holiday in 2007.

  • Ted Nugent perfomed at The NorVa, June 20, 2006.

    Daily Press

    Ted Nugent perfomed at The NorVa, June 20, 2006.

  • Fifes & Drums and fireworks on 4th of July at...

    David M Doody, Daily Press

    Fifes & Drums and fireworks on 4th of July at the Market Square, Colonial Williamsburg.

  • Event attendees watch the fireworks display during the 4th of...

    Adam Pennavaria / Daily Press

    Event attendees watch the fireworks display during the 4th of July celebration at Fort Monroe in Hampton, Va., on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

  • Micah Jauregui sits with her boxer, Pooka, before the 4th...

    Adam Pennavaria / Daily Press

    Micah Jauregui sits with her boxer, Pooka, before the 4th of July celebration at Fort Monroe in Hampton, Va., on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

  • Williamsburg family the Gonsoulin's celebrates lighthouse renovation with Fourth of...

    Joe Fudge, Daily Press

    Williamsburg family the Gonsoulin's celebrates lighthouse renovation with Fourth of July fireworks.

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  • Ryan M. Kelly, Daily Press

  • Ryan M. Kelly, Daily Press

  • Daily Press file

  • Fireworks are launced from the walls of Fort Monroe in...

    Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press

    Fireworks are launced from the walls of Fort Monroe in celebration of Independance Day Friday evening.

  • Ryan M. Kelly, Daily Press

  • A rainbow forms before the 4th of July celebration at...

    Adam Pennavaria / Daily Press

    A rainbow forms before the 4th of July celebration at Fort Monroe in Hampton, Va., on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

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  • Ryan M. Kelly, Daily Press

  • The Fifes and Drums of York Town pass in front...

    Sangjib Min, Daily Press

    The Fifes and Drums of York Town pass in front of Victory Monument during Independence Day Parade in Yorktown in 2005.

  • Jack Baust rides down Ferguson Avenue as fast as he...

    Heather S. Hughes, Daily Press

    Jack Baust rides down Ferguson Avenue as fast as he can to get in line with the other neighborhood children for the Brandon Heights 4th of July, 2007, parade in Newport News.

  • Musician First Class Ross Hartig performs with the U.S. Fleet...

    Adam Pennavaria / Daily Press

    Musician First Class Ross Hartig performs with the U.S. Fleet Navy Band Four Star Edition before the 4th of July celebration at Fort Monroe in Hampton, Va., on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

  • Gail, center, Jacob, and Natalie Mayo listen to the U.S....

    Adam Pennavaria / Daily Press

    Gail, center, Jacob, and Natalie Mayo listen to the U.S. Fleet Navy band Four Star Edition perform before the 4th of July celebration at Fort Monroe in Hampton, Va., on Saturday, July 4, 2015.

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While there are some pretty unforgettable fireworks displays in the area, the highlight of celebrating Independence Day in the Historic Triangle is, of course, the history.

So, in the midst of a day filled with celebration, remember the reason for celebration.

Here are some ways to do just that.

Colonial Williamsburg

At Colonial Williamsburg, you’re surrounded by history, by a place where the nation was born, said Tim Sutphin, the foundation’s director of special events.

“It’s very exciting to be in the middle,” Sutphin said. “I mean, the Courthouse was built in 1770, and so that building was there when the Declaration (of Independence) was read.”

The day is packed, Sutphin said. Everything from a military muster saluting the 13 original states to one of the Historic Area’s biggest auctions of the year.

10 a.m. – ‘Salute to the States’ military muster celebrates the 13 original states.

11 a.m. – Thomas Jefferson reads the Declaration of Independence on the Courthouse steps, accompanied by Fifes and Drums and cannon salute.

10:15 a.m. – The film version of Broadway musical “1776” screens at Kimball Theatre. The movie also plays at 1:30 and 4:45 p.m. Tickets: $5.

11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. – ‘Colonial Faire’ at various locations features 18th-century inspired games for children 14 and under, including foot races, lawn bowling and tomahawk tosses. Requires CW admission or $8 ticket for purchase at the Faire.

1-3 p.m. – Unique craft items will be up for auction, including a weather vane and mahogany cradle crafted by Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Trades.

4 p.m. – Runaway String Band performs American popular music during “I Hear America Singing” at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. Tickets: $4.

4 p.m. – Williamsburg Lodge’s Family Fourth of July Celebration begins, including buffet dinner, children’s games and special seating on Palace Green for fireworks. Tickets: $50.95-$85.95.

8:15 p.m. – A Medley of Patriotic Entertainments begins on Palace Green.

8:50 p.m. – Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums perform on Palace Green and Market Square.

9:15 p.m. – Fireworks begin, followed by torch-lit Fifes and Drums march.

Fireworks: The 15-17 minute display is more traditional than Grand Illumination, Sutphin said: “They’re aerial, they’re up in the sky, one location.” Two good viewing spots will be Palace Green and Market Square, Sutphin advised.

Admission: Admission is free, unless noted in the schedule. Call 1-888-597-8185 or visit colonialwilliamsburg.com.

Parking: Free parking is available at Colonial Williamsburg’s Visitor Center. Shuttle service will run every half hour, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Between 8 and 9 p.m., only express service will run between the Visitor Center and Governor’s Palace. Service is suspended at 9 p.m., resuming fully at 11 p.m. The pedestrian bridge from the Visitor Center to Historic Area closes from 9 p.m. until after the fireworks.

Jamestown-Yorktown

Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation presents the annual “Liberty Celebration” July 3-4 at Yorktown Victory Center, with Fifes and Drums performances, military drills and, new this year, an interactive protest of the British stamp tax.

For Lara Templin, assistant interpretive program manager, one of the moments most special is reading the Declaration of Independence. Templin said the document will be split into small sections, so the public can participate.

“We want people to take part and read it and think about this was such an earth-shattering document,” she said. “This was something that literally changed the world.”

Schedule is the same both days, unless otherwise noted.

9 a.m.-6 p.m. – Museum opens to visitors, with showings of Revolution-themed films and an illustrated timeline of the late 18th-century.

10 a.m. – Take a garden tour of vegetables and herbs grown in the kitchen garden. Tour also occurs at 5:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m. – Join an 18th-century artillery crew at the Continental Army encampment, followed by a salute to the nation’s founders. Occurs again at 3 p.m.

11 a.m., July 4 – Fifes and Drums of Yorktown perform on the museum’s lawn. They’ll perform at 2:30 p.m., July 3.

11:30 a.m. – Cigar Box String Band performs traditional American tunes. Performances also occur at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

12 p.m. – “The Price of Liberty” held at the recreated farm examines the sacrifices of Americans who declared independence, followed by a reading of the Declaration of Independence.

1 p.m. – Participate in a wooden-musket drill on the museum’s lawn.

2 p.m. – Protest the stamp tax imposed by the British at the recreated farm.

4 p.m. – Train as a member of the Virginia militia.

5 p.m. – Learn about secret codes and espionage during the Revolutionary War.

Admission: Tickets are $9.75 for adults and $5.50 for youth ages 6-12. Residents of York and James City Counties and City of Williamsburg, including William and Mary students, receive complimentary admission with proof of residency. For more information, call 253-4838 or visit historyisfun.org.

Parking: Free parking is available at Yorktown Victory Center, 200 Water St.

Yorktown

Celebrations in Yorktown start bright and early with the annual Independence Day Parade, culminating in a fireworks display over the York River. Kevin Ritchie, event planner for York County Parks, Recreation and Tourism, advised to arrive as early as possible for the day’s events.

8 a.m. – Yorktown Independence Day 8K Run/5K Walk begins at York High School.

8:15 a.m.-9:15 p.m. – Food is available at Patriotic Food Pavilion in the waterfront area. Riverwalk Landing restaurants will also be open throughout the day.

9 a.m. – Parade begins on Water Street, turning left onto Ballard and down Main Street to Victory Monument. Yorktown U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Band will perform.

4 p.m. – Event parking opens at the corner of Cook Road and Ballard Street (battlefield).

7 p.m. – Sounds of Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony begins at Riverwalk Landing stage.

8 p.m. – U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band (brass) performs at Riverwalk Landing stage.

9:15 p.m. – Fireworks begin.

Fireworks: The 18-minute display will illuminate the waterfront, launched from a barge in the York River. “Anywhere along the waterfront in Yorktown’s a great viewing space,” Ritchie said. This includes the Beach Picnic area at the intersection of Water and Comte de Grasse Streets.

Admission: Admission is free and open to the public. Call 890-3500 or check out visityorktown.org for more information.

Parking: Daytime parking is available York Hall, Riverwalk Landing’s parking garage, the County Administration and Courthouse/Finance buildings. Evening parking begins 4 p.m. at Yorktown Battlefield – visitors must walk one mile from parking to the waterfront. Free parking and shuttle service for handicapped/special needs individuals, and one escort, is available at Yorktown Middle School from 4-7 p.m. and 9:45-10:30 p.m.

Bridges can be reached by phone at 757-345-2342.