*Post written by Mona Meyer, Archives and Special Collections Metadata Librarian
The 4th of July, the day Americans celebrate their independence from Great Britain won in the Revolutionary War (1775-1783), is fast approaching! Celebrations can take many forms, but there are almost always fireworks, and often parades.
This American Red Cross postcard shows American Troops on parade, in Paris on July 4, 1918. World War I wasn’t over quite yet (the armistice signed November 11, 1918 marked the German surrender), but American doughboys celebrated their country’s independence and their part in freeing France, too.
Let’s take a look at images of past celebrations here in Evansville. From 1970-2010 Evansville celebrated the 4th with the Freedom Festival, which included a number of events, including a parade through the downtown area.
Freedom Festival parade car in front of the pharmacy in the Executive Inn at 600 Walnut St., 1975. MSS 034-0329, the Greg Smith Collection 
This young patriot is identified as Jimmy Tangerman, age 2, probably taking part in the Patriots Parade on the east side of Evansville, part of the Freedom Festival events, 1979. MSS 034-3135, the Greg Smith Collection 
Another group of youngsters taking part in the Patriots Parade on the east side of Evansville, part of the Freedom Festival events, 1979. MSS 034-3136, the Greg Smith Collection 
Uncle Sam portrayer on stilts, sitting on American Red Cross vehicle, circa 1990. MSS 124-016, the Eric Braysmith Collection 
Bosse High School marching band in the Freedom Festival parade, circa 1990. MSS 124-022, the Eric Braysmith Collection 
Not every event took place in downtown Evansville. This undated balloon glow event took place on the USI campus. UA 078-15466, Historic University Photographs Collection
A big part of Freedom Festival celebrations from 1979-2008 was an event called Thunder on the Ohio, part of the Unlimited Hydroplane tour.
Thunder on the Ohio boat the Winston Eagle, circa 1990. MSS 124-028, the Eric Braysmith Collection 
Heat race in Thunder on the Ohio, circa 1990. MSS 124-029, the Eric Braysmith Collection 
No identification or date for these two boats in Thunder on the Ohio. MSS 157-1852, the Schlamp-Meyer Collection 
Crane lifting the Miss Budweiser out of, or into, the Ohio River during Thunder on the Ohio, undated. MSS 157-1905, the Schlamp Meyer Collection
One of the most popular attractions of Thunder on the Ohio was the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels precision flying team, which performed at several Thunders. This video is not from an Evansville performance, but it does give you an idea of what such a performance might be like. See the Blue Angels in action HERE
Finally, what would the 4th of July, or summer, for that matter, be like without watermelon? This August 1977 image was taken at an unidentified location in Evansville. Doesn’t it make your mouth water, thinking about the pleasures of a juicy, ice cold watermelon in the midst of a sweltering Evansville summer day? Enjoy!
amUSIngArtifacts 
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