The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people. Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. Independence Day in St. Louis means parades, music, fireworks and fun. There are dozens of places throughout St. Louis to gather with family and friends to celebrate all things American. Of those dozens, here are my top recommendations on where to spend your 4th of July 2009 in the St. Louis area:

1. Fair St. Louis
Fair St. Louis festivities are July 3 & 4 on the Arch grounds and St. Louis Riverfront. The Fair opens Friday night at 6 p.m. and again at 11 a.m. on Saturday after the VP Parade. Most visitors plan their day around the free concerts and fireworks. The Counting Crows and Train are this year’s headliners. And of course the Fair’s fireworks display is not to be missed!

July 3, 2009

6 p.m. – Fair opens

8 p.m. – Counting Crows

9:15 p.m. – Fireworks

July 4, 2009

11 a.m. – Fair opens

1 p.m. – Nat & Alex Wolff

8 p.m. – Train

9:15 p.m. – Fireworks

2. Webster Groves Community Days
Community Days is a four-day celebration featuring a carnival, BBQ, parade and fireworks. It’s truly an old-fashioned event, held July 1st through 4th at Memorial Park.

July 1 & 2, 2009

4 p.m. – Festival opens

July 3, 2009

2 p.m. – Festival opens

9:30 p.m. – Fireworks preview

July 4, 2009

10 a.m. – Parade

11 a.m. – Festival opens

9:45 p.m. – Fireworks spectacular

3. St. Charles Riverfest
Riverfest is held each year in Frontier Park on the banks of the Missouri River, and includes a bluegrass music festival, carnival rides, a parade and two nights of fireworks.

July 2, 2009

4:00 p.m. – Food booths open

4:30 p.m. – Bluegrass Music Festival

July 3 & 4, 2009

10 a.m. – Parade (July 4 only)

12:00 p.m. – Food booths & carnival open

9:20 p.m. – Fireworks

4. Alton’s Mississippi River Fireworks Festival
Alton’s Mississippi River Fireworks Festival is held at Riverfront Park. There’s food, live entertainment and a big fireworks display, set against the beautiful Clark Bridge.

July 3, 2009

5 p.m. – Grounds open

9 p.m. – Fireworks

5. Fireworks Over the Confluence, Grafton
In Grafton, the fireworks display is over two great rivers, right at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois. Grafton’s festival also includes live music, children’s games and food and drink specials from Grafton area restaurants.

July 4, 2009

All day

Fireworks at dark

6. Hertiage & Freedom Fest, O’Fallon, MO
The two-day celebration features an impressive line up of nationally known musicians, including Craig Morgan, Chris Young, Gavin DeGraw and Sister Hazel. Of course there’s also a parade, a carnival, plenty of kids activities and tons of food. To top it off, the festival ends each night with fireworks.

July 3, 2009

7 p.m. – Craig Morgan

9:00 p.m. – Chris Young

10:15 p.m. – Fireworks

July 4, 2009

9:30 a.m. – Parade

12:00 p.m. – Festival opens

4:00 p.m. – Elevation: U2 Tribute

6:15 p.m. – Sister Hazel

8:30 p.m. – Gavin DeGraw

9:45 p.m. – Fireworks

7. Fourth of July Celebration, Ellisville
The event in Bluebird Park keeps with solid traditions, with vendors selling hot dogs, brats, ice cream and other favorite festival foods. There’s also a special Independence Day ceremony with the Ellisville Police Department, followed by live music and fireworks.

July 4, 2009

6 p.m. – Celebration begins

7 p.m. – Independence Day ceremony

9:30 p.m. – Fireworks

8. Rockin’ on the Landing
Top local bands will be playing on outdoor stages from noon until 9 p.m. Street vendors will be selling all kinds of food or you can always stop in at one of the Landing’s many restaurants. This is also a great location to watch the fireworks from Fair St. Louis.

July 4, 2009

Noon – Live music begins

9. Gateway City BBQ Festival
Few things are more American than bar-b-que and live music! The Old Rock House is known for its live music and there will be plenty of it during the festival from bands like Paint the Earth and That ’80’s Band.

July 3 & 4, 2009

2 p.m. – People’s Choice BBQ competition (July 4 only)

10. Fireworks Over Chesterfield
The City of Chesterfield is hosting its annual 4th of July celebration in the parking lot at Chesterfield Mall. There will be activities for the kids and food for sale, but you can also bring your own eats. The evening will end with a traditional fireworks display.

July 4, 2009

6:30 p.m. – Smash Band performs

7 p.m. – Children’s entertainment begins

9:30 p.m. – Fireworks

Laura Moehlman – Life Transitions Coordinator