Families lined the route, cheering as floats, dancers, veterans, and community groups made their way through the heart of town.

Known now as a day of patriotism and enjoying time off from work, the Fourth of July began the journey to becoming a quintessential American holiday in 1776, when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.

Independence Day celebrations don't always happen on July 4. Check through this list of local events that begin celebrating on June 27 and end July 6.