Celebrate The Fourth ! Boston Harborfest Events
Every year, Boston's celebrates Independence Day with Harborfest, a week long Fourth of July celebration of over 200 events (many are free) that celebrate Boston's colonial and maritime heritage. Here of some of the highlights that you won't want to miss.
The Declaration of Independence was first read to the good people of Boston from the balcony of the Old State House on July 18, 1776. The Declaration of Independence has been read from the same balcony- and under the gilt lion and the unicorn symbols of the British crown- every Fourth of July since. This year, the reading takes place from 10:00-10:30 AM.
Afterwards, walk over towards Faneuil Hall, in front of the Sam Adams statue, and catch the 10:30 concert of military music from the Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes and Drums in full 1779 Continental Army Musician uniform - including white powdered wigs!
All you-can-eat New England clam chowder under the summer sun is another Boston Fourth of July week tradition. This year's 27th annual Chowderfest takes place at Boston City Hall Plaza on Sunday July 6th from 11 AM-6 PM. Several local New England restaurants compete, including the Omni Parker House, the North End's Daily Catch and this year, even an entry from the visiting Navy ship the USS Batann. You get to taste them all, then vote for your favorite to help decide who will win the title of Boston's Best Chowder 2008.