Way back at the original signing of the Declaration of Independence the Fourth of July was predicted by John Adams (actually he was, I believe, referring to July 2nd, at the time) to be the occasion for future celebrations and fireworks. It proved to be this year, again. At Fort Niagara, there was a wonderful 250th re-enactment of a battle for Ft Niagara that took place July 1759 during the French and Indian War.
...to see more photos of the Ft Niagara 1759 Battle click here Seven Years War