6 Broadcaster Press 4 June 25, 2019 www.broadcasteronline.com HAPPY TH OF JULY FIREWORKS PLANNED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY IN VERMILLION Enjoy a Safe and Happy Independence Day The community is invited to join together in watching this year’s stunning fireworks display as they are shot off from behind the Vermillion Technology Center The display will begin near dusk or approximately 10:00 pm Excellent views are possible from Barstow Park or the Walmart parking lot This year’s display is proudly sponsored by the City of Vermillion, Walmart, and the Vermillion Area Chamber & Development Company Independence Day is a celebration of the United States of America. The holiday is marked by fanfare and large parties, complete with barbecues, fireworks and parades. As fun as July 4th festivities typically are, injuries, particularly those involving fireworks, are a concern that other. celebrants should not take lightly. An • Philadelphia is the birth place of much estimated 11,000 people visited the American history and is home to the Liberty emergency room for fireworks-related Bell. Each Independence Day, the Liberty Bell injuries in 2016, according to the U.S. is tapped (not rung, as the vibration would Consumer Product Safety Commission. further damage the cracked bell) 13 times in However, fireworks aren’t the only danhonor of the original 13 American colonies. ger this time of year. In order to remain • The original 13 American colonies were safe, individuals can heed these tips. located all along the eastern seaboard. They include Virgina, New York, New Hampshire, • Do not drink and drive. Alcohol Massachusetts Bay, Maryland, Connecticut, consumption may accompany IndeRhode Island, Delaware, North Carolina, South pendence Day festivities. For those Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Georplanning on using a car to get to and gia. from parties, it is essential to designate • The stars on the original American flag a driver who will not imbibe. Otherwise, were placed in a circle. This was so all of the utilize any number of ridesharing sercolonies would be equally represented. vices or available taxis. • Independence was gained in 1776, and • Swim smartly. Always swim with a the first celebration took place in Philadelphia buddy, and consider hiring a lifeguard four days later. The White House held its first if you’ll be hosting a pool party and Independence Day festivities in 1801. • Benjamin Franklin proposed that the cannot keep a watchful eye on guests in turkey be the national bird of the United States. the pool. Adults also should not swim However, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson intoxicated, as it can impede the ability overruled him, and the bald eagle became the to stay afloat and may lead to risky national bird. behaviors. • The only copy of the engrossed and • Leave fireworks to the professionsigned Declaration of Independence is in the als. Watch a public fireworks display inNational Archives in Washington, D.C. stead of lighting fireworks on the street Independ- Festive Facts for July 4th Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate the birth of their nation and independence from Great Britain. This day marks the anniversary of the presentation and acceptance of the Declaration of Independence, signed 242 years ago on July 4, 1776. The Declaration of Independence began as a letter to Britain’s King George to explain why the Continental Congress was interested in declaring independence from Great Britain. The writing of the declaration began on July 2 and the final wording was established on July 4. Independence Day is full of opportunities to celebrate and enjoy oneself. Parades, fireworks, parties, barbecues, and much more are part of the festivities. Another way to commemorate Independence Day is to educate oneself about the many historical and entertaining facts that surround the day. The following are some interesting details about the origins of Independence Day and the celebrations that surround it. • Although 56 people eventually signed the Declaration of Independence, only John Hancock signed the document on July 4, 1776. The rest added their names later on. John Hancock’s signature is ornate and widely recognized. Putting your ‘John Hancock’ on a document has become synonymous with the process of signing something. • The Declaration of Independence was adopted while the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Statehouse. That building is now known as Independence Hall. • The average age of the signers of the Declaration of Independence was 45. The youngest person to sign was Thomas Lynch, Jr., who was 27 when he signed the document. Benjamin Franklin, at age 70, was the oldest signee. • John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were the only signees who went on to serve as presidents. Coincidentally, Jefferson and Adams both died on July 4, 1826, within hours of each ence Day is a time for hot dogs, ice cream and, of course, revisiting America’s history. Metro Creative Connection Accepting new patients! Schedule an appointment today! Happy 4th of July! or in the backyard. • Exercise caution with sparklers. Kids running around with sparklers in hand could be a recipe for disaster, as sparklers burn extremely hot. Make sure children do not wave them around or others can get burned. Keep a bucket of water handy to properly extinguish the sparklers. • Review safe boating practices. If July 4th festivities find you out on the water, be sure that life jackets are worn and set boating and water safety rules for the family. • Check in with a vet. The Fourth of July can be traumatic for pets not accustomed to fireworks and other loud noises or crowds. Behavior therapy, medication and ensuring that pets do not run away from home and get lost may be necessary. • Watch food temperatures. Do not leave food out in the hot sun for too long; otherwise, harmful bacteria can grow and potentially cause foodborne illnesses. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service says to never leave food out of refrigeration for more than two hours. If the temperature is above 90 F, food should not be left out for more than one hour. These are some of the safety strategies that can keep Independence Day celebrations both safe and enjoyable. Metro Creative Connection Proudly Made in America We will be open from 7:30am – 7pm on Thursday, July 4th 1114 Princeton Vermillion, SD 57069 605-202-7231 BOB’S SINCLAIR SERVICE 200 E. Main, Vermillion • 624-2731 Vermillion,SD Masabainc.com Henderson’s Dr. Matthew Knutson, D.D.S Dr. Richard Knutson, D.D.S Dr. Brandon Jensen, D.D.S. (605) 624-6904 807 Princeton St. 605-624-6291 Two Locations • Open 24 Hours 815 Princeton St. 921 E. Cherry St. www.KnutsonFamilyDentistry.com 624-2673 Travis, Lead Lineman Have a safe & fun 4th of July! Our office will be closed Thursday, July 4th for Independence Day, but if there’s an outage, we’re just a call away! Clay County Abstract & Title 121 W Kidder St # 104 Vermillion, SD 57069 (605) 624-2068 HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! Happy 4th of July! FAMILY FIRST CHIROPRACTIC Crystal L. Paden, DC • Michael P. Paden, DC ChiropraCtiC physiCians 102 E. ChErry st. #106 VErmillion, sD 57069 ph: (605)624-9483 CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT TODAY WALK-INS WELCOME • MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED Quality Care for Pain Free Living! 1120 E. MAIN ST. 121 MAIN ST. Vermillion, SD 57069 605-624-2829 Irene, SD 57037 605-263-3343 www.hansenfuneralhome.com Happy Fourth of July 605.624.2695 • 201 W. Cherry, Vermillion, SD 113 W. Main St. • Vermillion 624-2655 Celebrating Independence Day!