Fourth of July Traditions
What city is home to the famous Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest every Fourth of July?
Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York
Fun Fact: The contest has been held on the Fourth of July since 1972.
In what city was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
Philadelphia at Independence Hall
What is America's national bird?
Bald Eagle
Fun fact: It was removed from the endangered species list in 2007
What fruit is often called the unofficial fruit of summer picnics?
Watermelon
Fun Fact: July is National Watermelon Month
True or False:
Most people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
False
Fun Fact: Most signatures were added on August 2, 1776.
What town hosts America's oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration?
Bristol, Rhode Island
Fun Fact: Bristol has celebrated every year since 1785
How many original colonies became the first United States?
13
Fun Fact: That's why the flag still has 13 stripes
How many stars are on today's American flag?
50, one for each state
About 150 million
Fun Fact: That's enough to stretch across the country several times!
True or False:
Fireworks were invented in China
True
Fun Fact: Fireworks date back more than 2,000 years.
Before fireworks became popular, what loud military tradition often marked Independence Day?
Cannon salutes
Fun Fact: Early celebrations often featured 13 cannon salutes for the original colonies.
Who was the oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence?
Benjamin Franklin
He was 70 years old
What do the 13 stripes on the American flag represent?
What frozen treat was accidentally invented by an 11-year-old in 1905?
Popsicle
Fun Fact: He left a cup of soda with a stirring stick outside overnight by accident.
True or False:
The American flag has always had 50 stars
False
Fun Fact: There have been 27 official versions of the US flag
13
Fun Fact: The bell is too fragile to ring, so it's tapped instead. It is tapped by the descendants of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Complete this famous phrase: "Life, Liberty and..."
"...the pursuit of Happiness"
What famous monument in New York Harbor was a gift from France?
Statue of Liberty
Fun Fact: It arrived in more than 300 pieces before being assembled.
Finish the saying:
"As American as _____."
Apple pie
Fun Fact: The phrase became popular during WWII.
True or False:
The Liberty Bell is rung every Fourth of July
False
Fun Fact: It's too fragile to ring, so it is tapped 13 times instead.
What patriotic song is traditionally played as fireworks begin or end at many celebrations?
Many communities also play God Bless America, America the Beautiful or Stars and Stripes Forever
How many people signed the Declaration of Independence?
56
Fun Fact: Signing the Declaration was considered an act of treason against Britain and was punishable by death if the Revolution failed.
What famous Philadelphia landmark has a crack and has become a symbol of American freedom?
Liberty Bell
Fun fact: No one knows exactly when the crack first appeared.
Name four foods commonly found at a Fourth of July cookout.
Any four: hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, pasta salad, corn on the cob, watermelon, deviled eggs, coleslaw, etc.
Approximately how many people lived in America in 1776?
A. 250,000
B. 2.5 million
C. 25 million
D. 50 million
B. About 2.5 million