A Glowing Tribute to Freedom: The History of Fireworks on the Fourth of July
Check Out our where to watch the Fireworks!
ATLANTIC CITY — Every Fourth of July, the night skies over Southern New Jersey—from the Boardwalk to the back bays—come alive with bursts of color and sound. But the tradition of fireworks on Independence Day has roots that stretch back to the very founding of the United States.
A Vision from the Founding Fathers
Before the ink was dry on the Declaration of Independence, fireworks were already part of the celebration. On July 3, 1776, John Adams, one of the nation’s founding fathers, wrote a letter to his wife Abigail predicting that Independence Day would be marked for generations with “pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations.”
That vision came to life just one year later. On July 4, 1777, Philadelphia held the first official Independence Day celebration with fireworks. Thirteen rockets were launched in honor of the original thirteen colonies.
Lighting Up the Nation
As the years went on, fireworks displays spread from big cities to small towns across the new republic. Families marked the holiday with firecrackers and sparklers, while communities organized local displays. The booming explosions and flashes of color became a symbol of freedom and resilience—reminders of the revolutionary spirit that shaped the country.
By the late 1800s, fireworks were a fixture in Fourth of July celebrations nationwide.
A South Jersey Tradition
In towns like Atlantic City, Bridgeton, Ocean City, and beyond, fireworks are now a cherished part of the summer season. Families line the beaches, boardwalks, and parks to watch dazzling displays that bring neighbors and visitors together. Whether set to music or paired with parades and festivals, these celebrations continue the legacy of unity and patriotism envisioned by the country’s founders.
Fireworks at Tropicana. Photo Credit: Mark Tyler
From China to the Coast
Fireworks themselves date back to ancient China, where bamboo was tossed into fire to create loud bangs. Today, computer technology allows for intricate choreography, with displays that light up the sky in sync with music and narration.
Despite the modern upgrades, the heart of the tradition remains the same: a celebration of freedom, resilience, and togetherness.
As you gather with loved ones this Fourth of July—whether on the sand in Atlantic City or in your own backyard—remember that the fireworks overhead are more than just entertainment. They’re a tribute to a bold beginning, a shared journey, and a future lit with hope.
Happy Independence Day from Atlantic City Focus. Here's where to Watch Fireworks!
Atlantic County
- Atlantic City – 4th of July
Expect a 9:00 PM drone + fireworks show on Friday, July 4, courtesy of Ocean Casino Resort - Tropicana Fireworks will be held on Friday, July 4, 2025 at 10:00 PM
- On July 3, 2025, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, in partnership with BetMGM, will host a spectacular fireworks show produced by Fireworks by Grucci, this 20-minute, musically synchronized display can be viewed from Borgata’s surface lot beginning at 8:30 p.m visitatlanticcity.com+1facebook.com+1
- Hammonton
Small-town celebration at Hammonton Lake Park, fireworks July 4 at dusk abc7ny.com+56abc.com+5capemaycountyherald.com+5. - Margate City
Beach fireworks at 9 PM on July 4, off Huntington Ave beach camdencounty.com+4njheartland.org+4nj-carnivals.com+4.
Cape May County
- Cape May (Congress Hall)
Fireworks from a barge at sea on Friday, July 4 at 9:30 PM (rain date July 6) en.wikipedia.org+15capemaycity.com+15capemay.com+15. - Avalon
Fireworks at 9 PM on July 4 from 30th Street Beach visitatlanticcity.com+1facebook.com+1. - Stone Harbor
Display from recreation field at 9 PM on July 4 6abc.com. - Sea Isle City
Beach fireworks at 9:15 PM on July 4 visitatlanticcity.com+56abc.com+5nj-carnivals.com+5grungolaw.com. - Ocean City
Boardwalk fireworks between 5th–14th Streets at 9 PM on July 4 southjersey.aaa.com+2southjersey.aaa.com+26abc.com+2. - Lower Township (North Cape May)
Festival starts Thursday, July 3 at 5 PM, fireworks at 9 PM camdencounty.com+15capemaycountyherald.com+156abc.com+15. - Middle Township (Cape May Court House)
Festival & fireworks at Goshen Sports Complex, starting 5 PM Friday, July 4, with fireworks at dusk; rain date July 5 6abc.com+2capemaycountyherald.com+2grungolaw.com+2.
Cumberland County
- Bridgeton
Fireworks at 9 PM on July 4 at Alden Field (Bridgeton City Park) grungolaw.com+36abc.com+3southjersey.aaa.com+3. - Millville
Family event at 6 PM on July 4 at Union Lake Park, with fireworks afterward; rain date July 5 njheartland.org. - Vineland
Concert begins at 7 PM then fireworks around 9 PM July 4 at Vineland High School; rain date July 5 grungolaw.com.
Camden County
- Camden Waterfront Freedom Festival
Festivities include music beginning at 5 PM on Friday, July 4, headlined by The Spinners at 8 PM, followed by fireworks camdencounty.com+1southjersey.aaa.com+1camdencounty.com. - Collingswood
Fireworks at dusk (around 9 PM) on Friday, July 4 at Collingswood High School stadium grungolaw.com+2southjersey.aaa.com+2southjersey.aaa.com+2. - Barrington
Show on Thursday, July 3 at dusk, behind Woodland School visitatlanticcity.com+6southjersey.aaa.com+6southjersey.aaa.com+6. - Audubon
Live music and a fireworks pre‑show at 6 PM leading into fireworks at dusk on Saturday, July 5, held at Audubon High School visitatlanticcity.com+6southjersey.aaa.com+6camdencounty.com+6.
📅 Quick Summary Table: Where to Watch Fireworks in South Jersey
| County | Town/Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic | Atlantic City (Casino shows) | July 4, 9 PM |
| Atlantic | Hammonton | July 4, dusk |
| Atlantic | Margate City | July 4, 9 PM |
| Cape May | Cape May (Congress Hall) | July 4, 9:30 PM (Rain date: July 6) |
| Cape May | Avalon, Stone Harbor, Sea Isle, Ocean City | July 4, 9–9:15 PM |
| Cape May | Lower Township (N. Cape May) | July 3, festival 5 PM / fireworks 9 PM |
| Cape May | Middle Township | July 4, festival 5 PM / fireworks at dusk (Rain date: July 5) |
| Cumberland | Bridgeton | July 4, 9 PM |
| Cumberland | Millville | July 4, 6 PM event + fireworks (Rain date: July 5) |
| Cumberland | Vineland | July 4, concert 7 PM / fireworks 9 PM |
| Camden | Camden Waterfront Freedom Festival | July 4, 5 PM music / fireworks after 8 PM |
| Camden | Collingswood | July 4, dusk |
| Camden | Barrington | July 3, dusk |
| Camden | Audubon | July 5, fireworks at dusk |
🎆 Did You Know?
- The earliest fireworks originated in China around 200 B.C., where bamboo stalks were thrown into fire to produce loud pops.
- The Founding Fathers considered fireworks a symbol of joy and celebration, not just military power.
- Some early American towns banned firecrackers due to safety concerns — a conversation that continues today.
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