Tag Archives: Fourth Of July

Ben Winslow reports at Salt Lake City’s Fox affiliate: Among the high school marching bands, veterans, pageant queens and politicians, groups representing Utah Valley’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community took some historic steps. After years of being rejected from one of America’s largest patriotic celebrations in one of Utah’s most conservative cities, several LGBT community groups were finally allowed …

The New York Daily News reports: Joey Chestnut proved it again: He’s second to bun. The king of competitive eating slammed down a record 74 franks in steamy Coney Island to easily capture his 11th Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog contest in the last 12 years. He gobbled up 10 more than the next-closest chomper in the annual Fourth of July …

The Hill reports: President Trump marked the Fourth of July on Wednesday by hailing the “noble sacrifice” of U.S. servicemembers. In a video posted online, Trump recounted the story of the Declaration of Independence and the war against Great Britain that ensued. “It was 242 years ago today in Philadelphia that 56 brave representatives of the American people adopted our …

From the New York Daily News: On the occasion of the 242nd birthday of the United States of America, again recall the words of our foundational creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit …

Ben Winslow reports at Salt Lake City’s Fox affiliate: After hours of sometimes heated negotiation, a deal has been struck that lets a coalition of groups representing Utah County’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community into the popular Freedom Festival parade and patriotic celebration. It came after intense political and community pressure on the festival and hours of closed-door talks …

Two positive Utah stories today but now this. Ben Winslow reports at Salt Lake City’s Fox affiliate: Mayor Michelle Kaufusi has signed a new agreement with America’s Freedom Festival that includes a non-discrimination clause, but it apparently does not mean that LGBTQ groups will be allowed to march in the July 4 parade. Five LGBTQ groups that asked to be …

Mediaite reports: President Donald Trump opened his day by observing American independence with a tweeted video clip of a choral symphonic rendition of his campaign slogan “Make America Great Again.” The video was captured at a recent performance for President Trump at the Kennedy Center and was set in front of an enormous American flag in case anyone didn’t get …

Note the family in the background. Mashable sets up the clip: John Cena wants to body slam bigotry in America. In a new public service announcement that feels as if it could just as easily be an ad announcing a “Cena 2016” campaign, the pro wrestler gives an earnest-sounding lecture about how patriotism goes hand in hand with respect for …

UPDATE: Ugh, it turns out the interviewer is a total nutjob.

Presumably to celebrate the Fourth Of July, anti-gay activist Todd Starnes has posted a star-spangled Fox News tribute to the United States, recounting how preachers “prayed on bended knee, asking God to bless our land, to shed his grace on thee.” Soundtracking the clip is Fanfare For The Common Man, which was composed by gay communist Aaron Copland. Bonus giggle: …

Move over Rebecca Black. Sample review: It’s annoyingly catchy. I almost hate myself for watching it. Just wait: After you hear the chorus a mere one time, you’ll be singing “love the Fourth of July, love the Fourth of July” over and over again until you want to blow your brains out with some Fourth of July fireworks. Rosa G …

As America prepares to celebrate its 238th birthday amidst increasing ugly treatment of immigrants, tell us your own family’s immigration story. Here’s some of my story.

Via the Boston Globe: The Fourth of July will come on the Third this year in Boston. The annual Boston Pops concert and fireworks extravaganza on the Esplanade in Boston will be held Thursday instead of Friday because of the bad weather expected from Tropical Storm Arthur, officials said this afternoon. “It’s not optimal. We wish it were, but we’ve …

Tropical Storm Arthur is expected to become a hurricane by tomorrow. At the present it’s not forecast to make a direct hit on New York City, but the Fourth is likely be quite stormy and the annual Pines Invasion on Fire Island could see a lot of soggy wigs. Macy’s says that the fireworks show over the East River will …

Here’s a great clip of the Empire State Building’s fab new LED light show during the finale of last night’s fireworks show. The musical choices were “curated” by pop star Usher.

Yesterday my pal Jerry accompanied me to the Invasion Of The Pines, the 37th annual marking of the day in 1976 when a drag queen was denied service at a restaurant in Fire Island Pines. Every Fourth of July since then, hundreds of drag queens board a chartered ferry in Cherry Grove and “invade” the Pines for a day exploding …

Easily the most bizarre NYC holiday tradition.

According to AAA estimates, 5.6 million people will abandon the New York City metro area for the holiday weekend.  Highways and public transit are expected to be at peak capacity by mid-afternoon. For those staying in town, this year’s fireworks display has been “curated” by pop star Usher, who has not only created the mixtape that will be simulcast during …