People watch as fireworks are shot off at Park Lake in Pardeeville, Wisconsin, on July 4, 2006.

Fourth of July fireworks displays are not limited to large metropolitan areas. Throughout the United States, especially in places that ban consumer fireworks, towns large and small stage free Independence Day fireworks displays that draw large crowds.

At the end of a holiday that celebrates community as well as nationalism, people gather on picnic blankets in meadows and in chairs along shores of beaches and docks to celebrate America’s birthday as skies light up with “candles” for all to see and enjoy. (© AP Images)