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Smithsonian MagazineJun 30
From a Sea Turtle Release to an Outhouse Race, These Ten Fourth of July Traditions Celebrate America Like No Other
Revelers typically mark Independence Day with a barbecue and fireworks show, but these festivities across the country offer quirky alternatives
26 things in this story
- Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating ContestFestivallegendary Independence Day tradition in Coney Island
- Key Lime FestivalFestivalfive-day event in Key West over July 4 holiday
- Southernmost Beach CaféRestauranthosts Key West pie-eating contest on July 4
- National Tom Sawyer DaysFestivalhonors Tom Sawyer and Mark Twain in Hannibal
- HannibalNeighborhoodFind city government information for Hannibal, Missouri.
- Mark Twain Boyhood Home & MuseumMuseumfence-painting contest takes place outside
- Immaculate Conception Catholic ChurchPlace of worshiplocation of annual Zydeco heritage celebration
- St. Landry ParishNeighborhood5/27/25 ST.
- Colonel Allensworth State Historic ParkParkThe small farming community was founded in 1908 by Lt.
- Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic ParkParkMarshall at Sutter's Mill in 1848, sparking the California Gold Rush.
- Jack London State Historic ParkSightIt includes the ruins of a house burned a few months before Jack London and family were to…
- Columbia State Historic ParkParkliving history museum celebrating Gold Rush
- The Lebeau Zydeco FestivalFestivalCreole heritage celebration in St. Landry Parish
- Oatman Egg FryFestivalsolar-powered egg frying competition in Oatman
- Mauna Lani Auberge ResortHotelhosts annual Turtle Independence Day
- Sea Life ParkTheme parkOahu-based park where turtles are hatched
- Bend Pet ParadeFestivalcelebrates Independence Day with costumed pets
- The Great Bristol Outhouse RaceFestivalquirky competition in Bristol, Vermont
- Fourth of July Midnight ParadeFestivalkick-off parade in downtown Gatlinburg
- River Raft RegattaFestivalrace down the Little Pigeon River
- Kite-Flying ContestFestivalOcean City beach event with various kite types
- Music PierSightlandmark on Ocean City beach for kite contest
- California's original 49ersPlace
- Indian Grinding Rock State Historic ParkPark
- Weaverville Joss House State Historic ParkPark
- Harmon ParkSight