Happy Fourth of July!

Crack open a new box of sparklers because the nation celebrates its 235th birthday on Monday, July 4. As Philadelphia is the birthplace of the United States, the city tends to have quite a few celebrations to attend each year. And this year is no different. The federal holiday is on Monday, July 4, and as such, some celebrations in outlying suburbs have been moved to Sunday, July 3.

In downtown Philadelphia, residents can attend several different Fourth of July festivities including two different celebrations at Penn's Landing. While there, why not head to the historic district and check out Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed on this date 235 years ago.

The major Fourth of July celebration will take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 5 to 11 p.m. Philadelphia's favorite hometown band, The Roots, will be playing prior to the Grand Finale Fireworks.

In the West Chester area, perhaps the closest and largest festival is the Downingtown Good Neighbor Day festival at Kerr Park. The day starts at 8 am with the Run for Life, an event that features nearly 1,500 athletes each year in a 5k, 10k or 15k race. The festival continues with more than 100 craft booths, activities scheduled throughout the day and great food available throughout. Come dusk, the celebration is capped by fireworks in true Fourth of July fashion.

Or maybe head out to West Goshen for the annual bike parade. The parade begins at 10 am at West Goshen Community Park between North Five Points and Fern Hill roads. Admission is free and guests are encouraged to bring a dry good donation (e.g., soap, toilet paper, deodorant, shampoo, laundry detergent, diapers, etc.) for the West Chester Food Cupboard and the Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Enjoy your Fourth of July!