According to Abington resident and historical writer Michael Thomas Leibrandt, one of the oldest July 4th traditions in suburban Philadelphia is celebrating its 120th anniversary.

Started in 1904, the Greater Glenside Patriotic Association’s July 4th Parade is one of the oldest Independence Day Parades in America and averages an estimated attendance of 30,000-50,000 participants each year. 

Fireworks became associated with US Independence since they first lit up the night sky in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777. Celebrations did happen in the streets of Philadelphia in 1776, but cannons were fired in celebration instead of fireworks. Captain John Smith was said to have set off fireworks in the British colonies for the first time in Jamestown, Virginia in 1608.

Fireworks were first identified in history during the Song Dynasty in China, appearing between 960 AD and 1279 AD. During the Han Dynasty (202 BC — 220 AD) bamboo sticks were exposed to fire and the resulting crackling, popping, and flames produced were known as baozhu or baogan.

Photos courtesy of the GGPA, circa 2010-2011

This year’s Independence Day festivities begin at 10:00am with Children’s Day in Glenside’s Renninger Memorial Park, the historic Greater Glenside Patriotic Association July 4th Parade at 4:00pm, and Abington’s “America the Beautiful Aerial Fireworks Spectacular” on the Abington High School/Junior High School athletic fields between 9:00pm and 9:30pm.

This year will keep the traditional alive, just the way that Americans have celebrated it since 1777.

Michael Thomas Leibrandt lives and works in Abington Township.

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Feature photo courtesy of the Glenside Fire Company