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A: Falling as it does on a Friday in 2008 - - it will be not only a national/federal holiday but people will observe it in diverse ways - - likely staying closer to home this year due to skyrocketing gas prices. Here's some ideas and quick weblinks to visit: Philadelphia; Sunoco Welcome America! Festival From end of June to July 4th: "eight days of family-oriented entertainment" with concerts, fireworks, barbeque, Day at the Fair, Fiesta on the Parkway, Southwest Airlines July 4th Parade... Fourth of July in New York City About's Guide for NYC covers many Fourth of July events, from Hot Dog Eating Contests to Cruises to Concerts... A highlight in NYC is Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks, set off from multiple locations. About's Guide for Manhattan has best spots to view these pyrotechnics. Long Island, NY Fireworks, parades, festivals, races, more. Boston's Fourth of July Harborfest "America's Biggest Independence Day Party" is a multi-day bash with hundreds of events -- from historic tours to Children's Day to Chowderfest-- and attracts more than 2.5M visitors. Fireworks over the Charles River are a highlight. Salem MA Kids Space with dj, activities, crafts; concerts; National Guard flyover; fireworks... Baltimore's Fourth of July Celebration Baltimore's Inner Harbor is the place to be: check Calendar for all-day fun, and grand finale fireworks. Connecticut Fourth of July Events Click on Events and select July 4th for parades, fireworks, etc. Mystic Seaport, for ex., has an 1870s Fourth of July. Washington DC: Fourth of July A giant National Independence Day Parade starts the celebration along Constitution Avenue; in the afternoon, the annual Smithsonian Festival of American Folklife entertains; the National Archives has a Family Day; and in the evening, the National Symphony Orchestra performs while one of the country's largest shows of fireworks lights up the reflecting pool on the National Mall. About's Guide for DC covers Fourth of July Fireworks in Washington, Maryland, and Virginia, and has National Parade photos, and more. Fourth of July in Colonial Williamsburg Colonial Williamsburg is living history: real-life actors in the streets and in historic houses bring to life the days before the American Revolution. Expect fireworks, and the chance to ask a few questions -- ask Thomas Jefferson or Patrick Henry, that is. Fourth of July in Orlando Expect great fireworks in this town! Find fireworks and celebrations at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, more. Other Florida: About's Florida for Visitors site covers other Independence Day festivities too. Fourth of July - Amelia Island, Florida Some resorts go all-out for July 4th festivities: and at the Ritz-Carleton on Amelia Island (northern Florida) likes to throw a beachside bash.* July 4th Celebrations in the Southeast Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia - About's Guide for Southeast for Visitors covers Independence Day celebrations in all these states. Austin, Texas: Bring a blanket and picnic basket, for fireworks and music by the Austin Symphony; other venues too. Phoenix Independence Day About's guide for Phoenix suggests great venues for the 4th of July, with picnics, concerts, rides, etc., leading up to the fireworks. LA July 4th: Americafest at the Rose Bowl The Rose Bowl stadium, in Pasadena, has a day-long Family Fun Festival, evening concert by the California Philharmonic, and Americafest fireworks. (2007 info, check site for update.) Los Angeles: Top Fireworks for Fourth of July Ten great spots for Fireworks in LA County; most venues have activities all day. San Francisco 4th of July The Fourth of July Celebration takes place at Pier 39, part of the popular tourist complex that includes Fisherman's Wharf, the Cannery, and Ghirardelli Square. Free family fun, bands, street performers, marionettes, face-painting, and (do we need to say it?) fireworks.