By Mike Finney

DOVER — The Fourth of July conjures up images of sweltering summer days, outdoor barbecues, time with family and friends, but most of all — fireworks.

It is a yearly celebration of the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America.

It is a day — and night — that always ends with a bang.

Dover, capital of the First State with its colonial roots and historic charm, serves as the perfect setting for such an Independence Day celebration, which will be taking place all day on The Green and Legislative Mall on Thursday.

It is an event that attracts people from all over the state.

“There’s celebrations up and down the state, but to me, nothing beats coming (to Dover) for the fireworks,” Michael Young, of Middletown, told The Daily State News last year. “We always enjoy bringing the family down and getting together on the fourth, especially here.”

Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen agreed that there is nothing like the Fourth of July in downtown Dover.

“This year we’ve got the 280th Army National Guard Band that’s going to do a concert, they’re going to be in the parade, and they’re going to set the tone for the Fourth of July celebration downtown,” Mayor Christiansen said. “We’re expecting a lot of people. I’ve ordered nice weather for the event.”

Bret Scott has served as the chairman of the Fourth of July parade through Downtown Dover for the past five years and it is an honor that he says he doesn’t take lightly.

“The Fourth of July is quite important, particularly for the American Legion,” Mr. Scott said. “We’re obligated to do certain events throughout the year and the Fourth of July is probably the biggest one that we do.

“We take pride in the fact that we’re the capital of The First State, so within the city of Dover it’s a huge undertaking (organizing the parade) and we’re very proud of it.”

Mr. Scott, who was a member of the Dover High School marching band in the mid-1980s, said this is the first time that a marching band will perform in the Fourth of July parade.

He noted that it is difficult to attract bands, particularly high schools and colleges, because it is the time of the year when they are out for summer break.

“I’ve been doing the parade now for close to five years and this is the first year that I’ve got a marching band and I’m very proud of that,” Mr. Scott said, “because to me it feels like it’s not a parade if you don’t have a marching band.”

The parade, organized by American Legion Walter L. Fox Post No. 2, will begin at 6 p.m. at Hazel Street, head south on State Street and end at Water Street. It will feature floats, fire trucks, marchers, and antique and classic cars.

Dover’s Fourth of July celebration is a day-long event with tour of historic sites, including Legislative Hall and the Old State House, taking place from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

There will also be historical interpreters at the John Bell House for a Living History Day.

There will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 2 p.m. at the Old State House, commencing with the ringing of The Old State House bell in celebration of the nation’s birthday.

The celebration will then spread east from The Green to Legislative Mall at around 4 p.m. where there will be music by DJ Giz (Shawn Fulton) and food vendors on hand.

Mayor Christiansen will greet the crowd during the opening ceremony at 8 p.m. followed by a flyover from the Dover Air Force Base, setting the tone for the fireworks, set to begin at around 9:15 p.m.

“There’s going to be a parade and food trucks and lots of activities for the young people and it’s going to be an old-fashioned Dover, Delaware Fourth of July celebration, because this is where America started,” Mayor Christiansen said, “I don’t care what those people in New Castle and Philadelphia say.”