July 4 is America's 235th Birthday! Which National Park Celebration Are You Headed To?

National Park Foundation Invites Americans Across the Country to Celebrate Independence Day in Our Nation's Nearly 400 National Parks

WASHINGTON, June 29, 2011/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks, recommends celebrating our nation's birthday in one of its nearly 400 national parks. Whether you're interested in interactive educational activities, musical concerts, or in search of an impressive fireworks display close to home, the fourth of July is the perfect time to round up family and friends, head to a national park and celebrate our nation's history in the places where it all happened.

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Here are the National Park Foundation's top 10 recommendations for celebrating America's 235^th year:

COLORADO – Colorado National Monument – Come on out on July 4 and watch in amazement as rock climbers scale the Independence Monument and commemorate Independence Day by raising the American flag on the top of the monument, the tallest free-standing rock formation in the park. Enjoy patriotic music resonating throughout the canyons. Ice cream social to follow. Event starts at 10:30a.m.MT.

KENTUCKY – Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park – Gather round to hear Saxton's Cornet Band in the park on July 4 at 11:00a.m.ET.

MARYLAND – Antietam National Battlefield – Treat yourself to the beautiful sounds of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra's "Salute to Independence" concert on July 2. Concert starts at 7:30p.m.ET. Fireworks at approximately 9:45p.m.ET.

MASSACHUSETTS – Adams National Historical Park –Get the inside scoop on the political climate 235 years ago! Come on down to Adams National Historical Park for "Down and Dirty Politics: 1776 Style" to learn how a strange, secret alliance of upscale gentlemen and rowdy street organizers bought about the Declaration of Independence. 1:00p.m. – 2:30p.m.ET. Beale House Lawn, located at 181 Adams Street. Street parking is available.

MISSOURI – Ozark National Scenic Riverways –The "Alley Independence Day Celebration" will be held on July 2 at Alley Spring. This event commemorates the traditional "picnic" celebrations held at Alley Spring across the turn of the twentieth century, when Alley was the social center for families in the surrounding area. Activities will include musical entertainment, old fashioned games and contests, and demonstrations of traditional Ozark skills.

NEW YORK – St. Paul's Church – Enjoy a traditional July 4^th celebration featuring music, speeches, refreshments, reading of the Declaration of Independence, and tolling of the historic St. Paul's church bell – 13 times. Event starts at 10:30a.m.ET.

PENNSYLVANIA – Valley Forge National Historical Park – Join Park Rangers for a living history demonstration at the Muhlenberg Brigade huts on July 4. Enjoy children's craft activities and a traditional Fourth of July barbecue at the Visitor Center. 11:00a.m. – 4:00p.m.ET.

SOUTH CAROLINA – Cowpens National Battlefield – Fireworks and family fun! Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:00p.m.ET on July 2, two days before Independence Day. Music will be provided by the Spartanburg Community Band.

VIRGINIA – George Washington Birthplace – Celebrate the 235^th birthday of the United States with hands-on, colonial-themed children's activities and costumed interpretation! 10:00a.m. – 4:00p.m.ET.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – National Mall and Memorial Parks – America's biggest birthday party is taking place on July 4 on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Not only will the event feature incredible performances by some of the country's best-known personalities and musicians, but it will also boast the most spectacular fireworks display.  Event starts at 8:00p.m.ET (gates open to the public at 3:00p.m.ET).  

Many more exciting events have been planned across the country and can be found on the National Park Service website.

Whether it is on the fourth of July or any other day of the year, it is the generous support of individuals, foundations and corporations that allow the National Park Foundation to continue its Congressionally-chartered mission to support the National Park Service in protecting America's treasured national parks.

Find out more about the work of the National Park Foundation and how to help at www.nationalparks.org.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

You are the owner of 84 million acres of the world's most treasured landscapes, ecosystems, and historic sites -- all protected in America's nearly 400 national parks.  Chartered by Congress, the National Park Foundation is the official charity of America's national parks.  We work hand in hand with the National Park Service to connect you and all Americans to the parks, and to make sure that they are preserved for the generations who will follow. 

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Media Contact: Alanna Sobel, 202.354.6480
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SOURCE National Park Foundation