America has a rich and exciting history!  Help your child journey through time, back to Boston and the American Revolution. Johnny Tremain is a Newbery Award-winning book about a fictional boy who experiences the events surrounding the coming of America. This novel will bring to life events of the Revolution and peak your child’s interest in history!

After reading and brushing up on the events that led to our independence, celebrate! Tempe 4th commemorates the 4th of July in style with one of the best fireworks shows around. In this amazing show, fireworks are timed to some of the best patriotic music. The celebration is free for kids under 12 and includes a free inflatable village for families. Celebrate our great country with  Johnny Tremaine and Tempe 4th!

The Book:

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Title: Johnny Tremaine

Author: Esther Forbes

Recommended Age: 9-12

Book Brief: A story filled with danger and excitement, Johnny Tremain tells of the turbulent, passionate times in Boston before the Revolutionary War. Johnny, a young apprentice silversmith, is caught up in a dramatic involvement with James Otis, John Hancock and John and Samuel Adams. Johnny is swept along by powerful currents that will lead to the Boston Tea Party and the Battle of Lexington-and finally to an important discovery in Johnny’s own life.

Johnny Tremain is historical fiction at its most gripping, portraying Revolutionary Boston as a living drama through the shrewd eyes of an observant boy.

About the Author: Esther Forbes, a historian and novelist, wrote for adults as well as young people. She received the Pulitzer Prize for history for Paul Revere and the World He Lived In and Johnny Tremaine won the Newbery Medal.

The Blast:

Tempe 4th

Date & Time: Saturday, July 4th; Gates open at 4pm with fireworks at 9pm

Cost: Children under 12 are free; Adults $8  at the door or 2 for $15. Discount tickets for $5-$6 can be purchased at Frys, ProTix, and City of Tempe. Click here for more detail.

Location: Tempe Town Lake

Its a Blast!

An afternoon and evening celebration on Tempe Town Lake. Kiwanis Club of Tempe 58th Annual Fireworks Spectacular will present the best fireworks show in the Valley shot from Mill Avenue bridge. The spectacular family night Fireworks Show will  be choreographed to patriotic and classical music.

Additional Activities Include:

Splash Playground- Before the fireworks begin cool off and chill out at the azcentral.com Splash Playground. Water fun and games for all ages.

Fantastic Family Fest-Fantastic Family Fest will offer a free inflatable village for all ages with a variety of rides, rock climbing walls and more! Special kid’s entertainment, featuring face painters, relay races and other specialty entertainment.

Food Court- A great food court to satisfy the entire families’ taste buds featuring Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Macayo’s Depot Cantina, BBQ, Roasted Corn, Gyros, Fry Bread, Snow Cones, Ice Cream, Lemonade and lots of cold bottled water, Pepsi products plus a variety of other food vendors.

Main Stage featuring great live local entertainment.

Extra Tips for a Good Time:

• Gates open at 4 p.m. First come first serve on lawn seating. Blankets, portable chairs, personal cameras and personal umbrellas – up to 48” are permitted.
• Only manufacturer’s sealed containers of water (1 gallon / per person) allowed inside the venue.
• No food or coolers allowed.
• No skates, skateboards or bicycles allowed inside the event.
• No Firearms, knives, or other weapons.
• All persons and bags subject to search.
• For the health and safety of our guests, only permitted service animals allowed in the event.
• Entry is free for anyone showing a current military ID.