SeeCalifornia.com

You don’t need a reason to celebrate living life large (or small) in California. But at least one day each year the majority of cities throughout the state put on a big, free party, complete with fireworks. Celebrating America’s independence (July 4, 1776) with a bang, it took some bangs to create a government and place free from rule by other countries who wanted to own this prime piece of land now called the United States of America.

La Puente, Spanish for ‘the bridge’, celebrates the 4th of July on July 3 with a free fireworks show and concert. La Puente is an interesting California city offering a glimpse into the new America. Incorporated in 1956, it quickly transformed from a rural, agriculture-based town to an urban city surrounded by industry and thriving residential neighborhoods comprised of around 40,000 residents.  The bridge today is symbolic and can be seen as part of the city’s seal, but it actually existed at one time, built a mere 7 years before America became a nation. The bridge was constructed by members of the Portola-Serra expedition in 1769 to cross the San Jose Creek as they surveyed the region for Spain.

La Puente is a microcosm for California’s people who celebrate the 4th of July. We come from all parts of the globe and we embrace the basic concepts in which the U.S. was founded, while honoring the Natives who have lived here for thousands of years. Californians love to celebrate the 4th of July with much localism and community pride, and a sense of belonging to a country that offers an appealing way of life.