The Fourth of July is a celebration of all things American with parades, backyard barbecues and the night sky lit up with fireworks.

The Fourth of July has been celebrated across the nation since 1776. But when — and how — did Americans across the country agree to commemorate the holiday with a fireworks celebration?

On July 4, 1777, the Sons of Liberty set fireworks off over Boston Common and in Philadelphia the Pennsylvania Evening Post wrote “at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.” The tradition stuck.

This event is family-friendly, and absolutely free to attend. This year the celebration will take place on July 4 from 7–10 p.m. Country superstar LeAnn Rimes will headline, and Leslie Odom, Jr., Bell Biv DeVoe, the U.S. Army Field Band Soldiers’ Chorus and Boston Children’s Chorus will also perform.

Online users shared a video showing U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump observing the festivities from a White House balcony.

Taylor Swift skipped her usual "Taymerica" fireworks bash in Rhode Island this year and instead slipped off to the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana - for a bill that would make even her squad gasp.

Milledgeville officials promised the Fourth of July event would be "spectacular," but residents who went said it fizzled out after less than 10 minutes

The article Fireworks Reports Down In San Mateo County During 4th Of July Celebrations: Police appeared first on San Mateo Patch. SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — The sheriff's office reported that fireworks-related calls during the last month were nearly cut in half compared to the year prior.