“For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them." - Thomas Jefferson, primary author of the Declaration of Independence, in the last letter he ever wrote, July 2, 1826. Photo by Kent Sweigert.
Officially, the Continental Congress declared its freedom from Great Britain on July 2, 1776, and those Founding Fathers agreed to all their edits to Jefferson's document two days later. But celebrating the birthday of the United States of America is a big enough deal that we can stretch it out for the whole week, with parades, fireworks, parties, picnics and other events. We hope that as you enjoy the holiday you'll also reflect on the freedoms gained through the sacrifices of those founders long ago and reaffirmed by the toil of many in the 242 years since. Read on for this week's activities - we are sending them a day early due to the holiday - and don't miss the Plan Ahead section! Tickets are now on sale for some great concerts next weekend, plus the whole upcoming Centenary Stage Company season is on sale to members and new members now, with individual tickets to the general public going on sale Sunday. And get ready for the Friday the 13th events, tickets also on sale for those. So happy birthday, America, and Happy Wanderings!