National Park Foundation Unveils Five Great Ways To Celebrate Independence Day In America's National Parks

WASHINGTON, July 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In honor of America's 237th birthday, the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks, released today a list of national park events where everyone is invited to honor our great nation and its important history.

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"All 401 of America's national parks teach a lesson, offer an experience, and connect us to our rich history," said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. "There is no better place to celebrate the founding of our great nation than in our national parks."

Below are five can't-miss national park events taking place across the country in celebration of the 4th of July.  Find five more great suggestions on July 4th fun in the parks at the National Park Foundation's website.

FLORIDA – Swing by Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, an American Latino Heritage Fund site, during the day to witness cannon firing demonstrations highlighting the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Then, come on back in the evening as this national park will be the perfect place to watch the City of St. Augustine's fireworks display starting at 9:30pm!

PENNSYLVANIA - Come on out and join our friends at Gettysburg National Military Park and the Gettysburg Foundation as they commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg in the places where these historic events took place! Starting Saturday, June 29 through Sunday, July 7, they will be hosting special events and programs including ranger-led tours and hikes, the 150th Junior Ranger challenge, and artillery demonstrations. Be sure to check out the Commemorative Events Guide 2013 to get the inside scoop!

WASHINGTON – Celebrate July 4 with the 50th annual incredible fireworks display at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site! Enjoy traditional family fun games and entertainment all day!

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The fireworks and musical performances at the National Mall & Memorial Parks are a good time and always impressive for park goers of all ages. If you're looking for something a little off the beaten path and less crowded check out Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. Connect with Frederick Douglass' powerful words at this African American Experience Fund site with a reading of his memorable speech "What to the Slave is the 4th of July" that he delivered on July 5, 1852 in Rochester, NY.

WYOMING - Head on over to Fort Laramie National Historic Site for some good old fashioned Fourth of July fun! Participate in sack races and other games, watch the military flag raising ceremony, hear the cannon fired, listen to the 38 gun salute, watch the equestrian drill team, and help recreate a parade from 1876!

For more national park inspiration visit www.nationalparks.org/theplacesnobodyknows and download a free copy of National Park Foundation's newly released "The Places Nobody Knows," the third special edition in NPF's Owner's Guide series. For more information about events happening in America's national parks, visit the National Park Service's calendar.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION
The National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks, raises private funds that directly aid, support and enrich America's more than 400 national parks and their programs.  Chartered by Congress as the nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation plays a critical role in conservation and preservation efforts, establishing national parks as powerful learning environments, and giving all audiences an equal and abundant opportunity to experience, enjoy and support America's treasured places. www.nationalparks.org.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Alanna Sobel, National Park Foundation, 202.354.6486, [email protected]

SOURCE National Park Foundation