For those looking for a last minute 4th of July destination, Bucks County, along the Delaware River, may not sound as the ultimate attraction, but the place is rich in history, and people know how to celebrate. All over Bucks County, organizations and businesses have prepared a varied programme of festivities and cultural manifestation. The list begins with a historic event at the Moland House, near Doylestown.
A recent treasure hunt found a flawless copy of the original Declaration of Independence, that gives the public the opportunity to view the Declaration as it might have looked in 1776.
This copy of the Declaration of Independence will be on exhibit at the Moland House, near Doylestown, PA, July 4, the site of George Washington’s Headquarters in August 1777. Participants can also learn Lingenfelter’s story of discovery. The program of the event is rather short: 1-4 pm, leaving you enough time to explore the area surrounding the Moland House. The copy was last exhibited in NYC with the original Magna Carta – this is only the second showing before beginning a National Tour.
If you do choose Bucks County as your destination this 4th of July, there are other attractions you could consider in Doylestown, including the Mercer Museum, the Bucks County Historical Society, the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, the James A. Michener Art Museum housed inside a former prison, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, which houses a painting of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa, and the Fountain House. Affordable accommodation begins at $47.19 at Days Inn Horsham Philadelphia.
For those who’d rather spend 4th of July with music and fireworks, Sesame Place has prepared a spectacular fireworks show, set to a Sesame Street music. Fireworks are immediately following the 9p.m.evening performance of the “Neighborhood Street Party” parade. Sunday and Monday Only.
The historic Peddler’s Village will mark the event with the 8th annual “Celebration of Freedom”, featuring live entertainment, children’s activities, and picnic-style favorites.
Participation is free for all, making this particular place ideal for families with children, and those who plan the 4th of July weekend on a budget. Fireworks display at 9:15pm.
The Fonthill Museum celebrates the historic holiday with live music and a host of old-time games open for the whole family. Where else can you participate in watermelon eating contests, or wheelbarrow races? Other family activities include the cake walk, tug-o-war, stilt walking, sack races, bucket brigade relays, and obstacle course. The programme also includes a demonstration of town ball (19th century baseball) and storytelling by Robin Moore and music by Marti Rogers on dulcimer, The Merrymakers and Galina Brass.
The Children's Decorated Bike Parade takes place at 12:30 pm.
There’s also the traditional Concert Under the Stars by the Riverside Symphonia, taking place this July 2nd at the Tinicum Park, Erwinna. The programme features light classical, popular, and patriotic music. Tickets cost $27.00 per ticket ($30 at the Gate) for adults, and $10.00 per ticket for children aged 3 to 16 (free for children under 3). To make your celebration as special as it can get, the organizers allow you to picnic on location.