6 Reasons Why The 4th Of July Is Better In Upstate NY

Everyone has their favorite holidays, but mine is hands down the Fourth of July. My special love for America's birthday comes from growing up in a small town in Upstate NY where the Fourth of July is bigger than the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It wasn't until I left home that I realized that other people didn't grow up with the same parades, fairs, and fireworks that I did. So grab your sparklers and your favorite American flag t-shirt, and buckle in for just a few of the reasons why we have the best Fourth in the North.

1. So. Many. Barbeques.

This might be a staple anywhere you go on the Fourth of July, but it doesn't matter where you are because chances are you will always be within one hundred feet of someone grilling some burgers and hot dogs. You can't forget about the red, white, and blue themed desserts, though--those are always so creative.

2. BOATS BOATS BOATS BOATS.

Upstate NY is scattered with some of the most beautiful lakes in our country, and we certainly love to take advantage of that when this time of the year rolls around. Lots of people like to pack a cooler and spend the day out on the lake until the water is lit up by the fireworks.

3. Parades.

One of the most important parts of this holiday is the parade. The whole town comes out to line the streets with their lawn chairs and trucks to sit in and watch as the fire and police department, local businesses and more stroll on by. If you're a kid, your parents are probably constantly yelling at you to get out of the road...but you know you have to be risky if you want to get close enough to snag the candy everyone tosses out.

4. The fair and the food.

I mean, it barely counts as fair, it's just a few silly rides thrown up for a few days, but everyone will show up to ride those rides until they're out of tickets or it's time to hit up the stands full of the glorious, unhealthy fair food. From funnel cake to the fresh squeezed lemonade, they're the treats you spend the entire year waiting for.

5. Fireworks.

Fireworks are a given on the Fourth of July, but there's something special about your whole town gathering up in one spot to lay out on blankets and set up in lawn chairs to watch the big fireworks show. That's not even mentioning the hundreds of fireworks (probably illegal) going off for days before...and days after.

6. Community.

Upstate NY is full of small cities and towns with close knit communities, and this certainly shines on the Fourth of July. The communities spend the year organizing and fundraising for a few days of relaxation and fun, bringing everyone together to celebrate the birth of our beautiful nation.

Other places might try, but there's no competition. We have the best Fourth in the North. Plus, that rhymes which makes it even better.

Happy birthday, America!