National Park Foundation Unveils List Of Can't Miss Independence Day Celebrations In The National Parks

Discover America's Nearly 400 National Parks and Show Your Support At  www.nationalparks.org

Where Every Donation Will Be Matched Up To $50,000 In Honor of July 4th

WASHINGTON, June 29, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- From live musical performances to all types of recreational activities, our nation's national parks know how to host a memorable 4th of July celebration. In honor of our nation's 236th birthday, the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks, has prepared a guide to some of the outstanding historic reenactments, lively parades, and breathtaking firework displays taking place all over the country where visitors can celebrate the birth of our nation.

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"These remarkable places belong to all of us," said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. "There's nothing more American than celebrating the 4th of July in our national parks and there is no better time to show your support for these treasured places."

In honor of America's Independence Day, the National Park Foundation will match all donations made at www.nationalparks.org/match up to $50,000.  The National Park Foundation raises private funds that directly aid, support and enrich America's nearly 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 supporting 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. 

Here are just a few Independence Day events happening in our nation's national parks:

GEORGIA – Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – Spend your 4th of July evening listening to local bands, strolling through hundreds of arts and craft tents, tasting Georgia's best southern dishes, and watching a spectacular firework performance over the river.

MARYLAND – Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine – This year marks the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. Celebrate at the site of one of the war's most famous battles and the birthplace of "The Star Spangled Banner."

PENNSYLVANIA – Valley Forge National Historic Park – Enjoy an All-American cookout at Valley Forge where kids of all ages will enjoy the music and have the chance to join the Continental Army and even sign the Declaration of Independence!

SOUTH DAKOTA – Mount Rushmore National Memorial – With over 21,000 July 4th visitors last year, Mount Rushmore offers many ways to celebrate Independence Day.

WASHINGTON – Fort Vancouver National Historic Site – With five different entertainment areas scattered throughout the site, visitors of all ages and interests are guaranteed a phenomenal time this Independence Day. Afterwards, end your holiday with watching one of the best firework performances on the west coast.

WASHINGTON, DC – National Mall and Memorial Parks – Enjoy the 236th Fourth of July with special guests and musical performances concluded with a 20-minute fireworks display.

WYOMING – Fort Laramie National Historic Site – Celebrate your Independence Day on the old-fashioned frontier with frontier-style games, a live performance of the equestrian drill team, and an interactive parade.

SOUTH CAROLINA- Cowpens National Battlefield- Unable to participate in midweek 4th of July activities? On July 7th, Cowpens National Battlefield will be hosting an Independence Day Celebration filled with 18th century weapon demonstrations, a live performance by Spartanburg Community Band, and a firework display that will be sure to light up the South Carolina sky.

NEW YORK- Sagamore Hill National Historic Site- Travel back in time and talk with President Theodore Roosevelt, watch an equestrian demonstration, and learn about the connection between Presidents and National parks through the words of a ranger. End the day by watching the Sagamore Hill Band perform on the front porch of Roosevelt's home while feasting on some of the best traditional American fare.

MISSOURI- Jefferson National Expansion Memorial- Celebrate Independence Day for not only one but three days underneath the Gateway Arch at Fair St. Louis. Enjoy airshows and firework displays as well as live music by three celebrity performances.

Find out more about these adventures and many more at the National Park Service's events calendar.  For more information about the National Park Foundation visit 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.  Join us in supporting your national parks -- this is your land.  www.nationalparks.org

Media contact: Marjorie Hall, 202.354.6480, [email protected]

SOURCE National Park Foundation