In Fireworks We Trust

Despite the tepid economy that has several towns across the country pursuing creative festivity solutions, many major American cities aren’t skimping all that much on their shows of patriotism this Fourth of July. Here’s a rundown of three of the most impressive celebrations honoring the birth of our nation 233 years ago:

* Boston
Important seeds of our nation were planted in Beantown and the city has always given a classy nod to its forefathers with its traditional celebration. Late-night funnyman (and recently naturalized American citizen) Craig Ferguson will host a celebration featuring the 36th annual Boston Pops performance, who will play patriotic songs as fireworks burst over the Charles River. Neil Diamond will also perform. Can’t get there in person? Not to worry, CBS will air the entire celebration live.

* New York
Macy’s hosts the nation’s largest airborne pyrotechnics display in the nation Saturday night, which will feature more than 120,000 fireworks gathered from around the world. The celebration returns to the Hudson River this year, a salute to the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s historic voyage. Earlier in the day, head to Coney Island for their annual hot dog-eating contest, where champion rivals Joey Chestnut, last year's winner, and Takeru Kobayashi, a former six time champ, will duke it out for ultimate eater bragging rights.

* St Louis
For maximum Americana, head to the middle of the country for its annual fireworks display overlooking the Gateway Arch. Officially knows as Fair St. Louis, the two-day event features the annual Veiled Prophet Parade. The name might sound a bit scary, but features warm and fuzzy patriotic elements like floats, giant balloons and marching bands. Plus, the theme is “Everybody Needs a Vacation” -- who can argue with that? Live performances by the Counting Crows and Train round out the festivities.