We flip the calendar to July and look ahead to the Independence Day weekend. Our travel forecast for this July 4th holiday projects that 39 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home - a 2.5 percent decline as fuel prices sit at approximately one dollar per gallon higher than a year ago. The complete AAA / IHS Global Insight 2011 Independence Day Holiday Travel Forecast can be found at AAA.com/news.

To spark a few ideas on where to go to celebrate, the AAA Travel Editors have provided their top picks of places to enjoy fireworks and other July 4th festivities. Events and schedules may vary due to weather and other factors, so be sure to call ahead before you go.  

ALABAMA
July 4 FLORENCE Spirit of Freedom Celebration Thousands gather along the banks of the Tennessee River to celebrate our freedom with plenty of food, music and one of the largest fireworks shows in the Southeast. Location: McFarland Park. Contact: (256) 740-4141. Free.

ALASKA
July 3-4 JUNEAU Fourth of July Celebration This event begins at 11:59 p.m. on July 3 with a fireworks presentation over the channel. Parades, a sand castle building contest and annual baseball showdown between the Juneau and Douglas Volunteer Fire Departments. Location: Various Juneau and Doulas locations. Contact: (907) 364-3346.

ARIZONA
July 4 PHOENIX Fabulous Phoenix Fourth This event features a children's area, family activities, three stages with entertainment, a classic car exhibit and one of the largest fireworks presentations in the Southwest. Location: Steele Indian School Park. Contact: (602) 261-8645. Free.

CALIFORNIA
July 1-10 PLEASANTON Alameda County Fair Children's games, fireworks, fair-time events, horse races and carnival rides are some of the offerings. Location: Alameda County Fairgrounds. Contact: (925) 426-7600. $. July 1-3 OLYMPIC VALLEY Squaw Valley 4th of July Fine Arts and Crafts Festival Location: The Village at Squaw Valley. Contact: (877) 297-2140.

July 1-3 QUINCY High Sierra Music Festival Featured are more than 50 performers on four daytime stages and in four late-night venues. Location: Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds. Contact: (510) 420-1529.

July 1-4 DEL MAR San Diego County Fair The San Diego County Fair is said to be the fifth largest fair in the nation and is the largest annual event in the county. Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds. Contact: (858) 755-1161. $.

July 3-August 31 LAGUNA BEACH Festival of Arts Paintings, sculptures, pastels, drawings, serigraphs, photographs, ceramics, jewelry, etched and stained glass, fiber arts, handcrafted furniture and scrimshaw are offered at this annual juried show. Location: Irvine Bowl Park. Contact: (949) 494-1145. $.

July 4 HUNTINGTON BEACH Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade With more than 300 entries, this parade is said to be the largest Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi River. Location: Downtown. Contact: (714) 374-1535. Free.

COLORADO
July 1-4 GREELEY Greeley Independence Stampede This event started nearly 90 years ago as a community celebration to honor local potato farmers. Enjoy fun runs, flapjack feeds, barbecues, a parade, PRCA and youth rodeos, a star-studded night of entertainment and a fireworks display. Location: Island Grove Park. Contact: (970) 356-7787. $.

July 2-4 DENVER Cherry Creek Arts Festival This visual, culinary and performing arts festival offers interactive activities for the whole family. Location: Cherry Creek North. Contact: (303) 355-2787.

July 1-11 WASHINGTON (Except July 5-6) Smithsonian Folklife Festival America's diverse folk heritage is celebrated on the National Mall with concerts, workshops, panel discussions, demonstrations and exhibits. Artisans, cooks, storytellers, musicians and workers in many occupations share their skills. Location: The National Mall. Contact: (202) 275-1150. Free.

July 4 WASHINGTON A Capitol Fourth--America's Independence Day Celebration Featured is a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence and a concert at Union Station. The National Independence Day Parade passes down Constitution Avenue at noon, and an evening concert of patriotic music is offered. Location: Various locations. Contact: (202) 501-5000. Free.

FLORIDA
July 3 ALTAMONTE SPRINGS Red Hot and Boom Musical entertainment, children's activities and vendor booths are offered along with a fireworks display synchronized to patriotic and popular music. Location: Crane's Roost Lake Park. Contact: (407) 571-8857.

July 4 JACKSONVILLE Freedom, Fanfare and Fireworks One of the largest fireworks displays in the region is reason enough to attend this patriotic celebration. Add a lineup of nationally known entertainers and a parade, and this has all the makings of a star-spangled gala. Location: Downtown, Veterans Memorial Coliseum and Metropolitan Park. Contact: (904) 630-3690.

July 4 ORLANDO July 4th Fireworks at Lake Eola Location: Lake Eola Park. Contact: (407) 246-3845. Free.

July 4 WEST PALM BEACH Fourth on Flagler One of South Florida's largest Independence Day events features the Grand Old Flagler parade, folk artists, entertainment, ethnic and all-American food, a sports card collector's area, a sailboat regatta, water ski shows and a grand finale fireworks show. Location: Flagler Drive between Fern and Clematis streets. Contact: (561) 822-1515. Free.

GEORGIA
July 3-4 STONE MOUNTAIN Fantastic Fourth Celebration Highlights of this celebration include a laser show, and a fireworks display exploding from both the base and top of the mountain. Location: Stone Mountain Park. Contact: (770) 498-5633. $.

July 4 BRUNSWICK Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration Families will enjoy free games including sack races, tug-of-wars, horseshoes, various ball games and Hula-Hoop contests. Free watermelon and fireworks round out the fun. Location: Mary Ross Waterfront Park . Contact: (912) 265-4032. Free.

July 4 DAHLONEGA 4th of July Family Celebration This extravaganza features a parade, music, dancing, homemade ice cream, hot dogs, watermelon, arts and crafts, gold panning and a pet show. The fireworks display is at North Georgia College. Location: Various locations. Contact: (706) 864-3365.

HAWAII
July 3 HONOLULU 3rd of July Fireworks Extravaganza Music and dance performances, food, bounce houses, face painting, games, prizes and a fireworks display comprise this event. Location: Aloha Tower Marketplace. Contact: (808) 528-5700. Free.

July 4 COEUR D'ALENE Fourth of July Celebration Included are a boat parade, a grand parade down Sherman Avenue, music, a barbecue and fireworks over Lake Coeur d'Alene. Location: Various locations. Contact: (877) 782-9232. Free.

July 4 COUNCIL 4th of July Celebration and Porcupine Race This small-town celebration begins with breakfast in the park, followed by a parade and then the World Championship Porcupine Race. Location: Various locations. Contact: (208) 253-6830. Free.

ILLINOIS
July 1-4 CHICAGO Taste of Chicago Chicago's lakefront comes alive with great food and six different stages of free entertainment. The more than 300 menu items include ethnic, exotic and longtime Chicago favorites. Don't miss the Macy's Independence Eve Fireworks Spectacular. Location: Grant Park. Contact: (312) 744-3370. Free.

INDIANA
July 1-3 MADISON Madison Regatta Known as "Indiana's Largest Lawn Party," this hydroplane racing event takes place along the Ohio River, where steamboats once raced. The July Fourth fireworks show is a highlight. Location: Ohio River. Contact: (812) 265-5000. $.

KANSAS
July 4 DODGE CITY Dodge City's Old Fashioned Fourth of July This event includes one of the largest fireworks displays in western Kansas, free ice cream and entertainment. Location: Memorial Stadium. Contact: (800) 653-9378. Free.

KENTUCKY
July 3-4 LOUISVILLE Waterfront Independence Festival A concert on the Great Lawn is followed by fireworks over the Ohio River. Location: Festival Plaza. Contact: (502) 574-3768. Free.

July 4 LEXINGTON Red, White and BOOM Festival This outdoor country music concert is followed by a fireworks display. Location: Cox Street parking lot behind Rupp Arena. Contact: (859) 455-8855. $.

LOUISIANA
July 1-4 MANDEVILLE Mandeville Seafood Festival Featured are food booths serving seafood and alternative dishes, a car show, arts and crafts, live musical entertainment, a children's area, a carnival and fireworks choreographed to music. Location: Fontainebleau State Park. Contact: (985) 893-0304. $.

July 4 NEW ORLEANS Go 4th on the River Music, cuisine, parades and the one-of-a-kind dueling barges fireworks display along the New Orleans Riverfront are featured. Location: Riverfront. Contact: (504) 528- 9994.

MAINE
July 2-3 OWLS HEAD The Fabulous 50's, Sensational 60's Car Meet and Antique Aeroplane Show Automobiles from the industry's most stylish decades are on display on Runway 17. Entertainment, dancing, an antique airplane show and rides, children's exhibits, a scraper bike workshop and the Kids Corral also are offered. Location: Owls Head Transportation Museum. Contact: (207) 594-4418. $.

MARYLAND
July 4 ANNAPOLIS Annapolis Parade and Fireworks The U.S. Naval Academy's concert band performs prior to the fireworks display. Location: Annapolis City Dock and Harbor. Contact: (410) 263-1183.

MASSACHUSETTS
July 1-4 BOSTON Boston Harborfest Harborfest is one of the largest patriotic celebrations in the nation with visitors enjoying more than 200 activities. Location: Historic downtown and the waterfront. Contact: (617) 227-1528. Free.

July 4 BOSTON Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular A performance by the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, celebrity entertainers and fireworks over the Charles River synchronized with music are highlights of this Independence Day celebration. Location: The Esplanade. Contact: (888) 484-7677. Free.

BATTLE CREEK Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival Fireworks, an air show and monster truck rides are highlights of this festival, which features daily balloon launches, live entertainment and amusement rides. Location: W.K. Kellogg Airport. Contact: (269) 962-0592.

MICHIGAN
July 1-4 BATTLE CREEK Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival Fireworks, an air show and monster truck rides are highlights of this festival, which features daily balloon launches, live entertainment and amusement rides. Location: W.K. Kellogg Airport. Contact: (269) 962-0592.

July 1-9 MUSKEGON Muskegon Summer Celebration This summer celebration along the Lake Michigan shoreline includes national, regional and local musicians, a fine art show and craft market, and an air show featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Location: Heritage Landing. Contact: (231) 722-6520. $.

July 2-9 TRAVERSE CITY National Cherry Festival This celebration features more than 150 activities, including parades, air shows, a midway, entertainment and sports events. Of course, there are lots of cherries. Location: Downtown. Contact: (231) 947-4230.

MINNESOTA
July 1-4 BEMIDJI Bemidji Jaycees 4th of July Water Carnival This 5-day family event includes many activities for all ages to enjoy, including Fourth of July fireworks and a Sunday Grand Parade. Location: Lake Bemidji and various locations. Contact: (218) 444-4401.

July 4 MORRISTOWN North Morristown 4th of July Celebration This is said to be the oldest 4th of July celebration in southern Minnesota. A silent auction, a parade followed by a patriotic program, music in the beer garden, horseshoe and euchre tournaments, bingo, food and bluegrass entertainment are featured. Location: 4th of July grounds. Contact: (507) 685-4372.

MISSISSIPPI
July 2-5 GULFPORT Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo This rodeo transforms Gulfport's harbor area into a family fun festival with carnival rides, concessions, arts and crafts, and a fireworks display on the Fourth of July. Location: Gulfport Island View Casino. Contact: (228) 863-2713. $.

MISSOURI
July 1-4 HANNIBAL National Tom Sawyer Days Since 1955 participants have enjoyed such activities as the National Fence Painting Championships, a frog jumping contest, Mississippi Mud Volleyball, a Tom Sawyer look-alike competition, bingo and entertainment. Location: Hannibal Historic District, and Riverview and Central parks. Contact: (573) 221-2477. Free.

July 2-4 ST. LOUIS Fair St. Louis A St. Louis tradition for 30 years, the city celebrates Independence Day with a parade, concerts, children's activities, food and fireworks. Location: Waterfront and Gateway Arch grounds. Contact: (314) 434-3434. Free.

MONTANA
July 2-4 LINCOLN Lincoln Rodeo and Parade Lincoln celebrates the Fourth of July holiday with a parade, a rodeo and a fireworks display. Location: Downtown. Contact: (406) 362-4313.

July 4 LEWISTOWN Lewistown's 4th of July Celebration and Parade A pancake breakfast, a parade, a Shrine circus, entertainment and fireworks are highlights. Location: Fairgrounds. Contact: (406) 538-8841.

NEBRASKA
July 3-4 GOTHENBURG Pony Express Rodeo and 4th of July Celebration Rodeos, mutton busting for the children, a fun walk, a barbecue and fireworks at the Lake Helen Recreation Area round out the fun. Location: Rodeo Arena. Contact: (308) 537-3505. $.

July 4 GRAND ISLAND 1891 Independence Day Celebration Enjoy an old-fashioned 4th of July with vintage baseball, a parade through Railroad Town, a band concert, a patriotic program, pie-eating contests and games. Location: Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer. Contact: (308) 385-5316. $.

NEVADA
July 1-3 ELKO Elko Basque Festival Basque culture is highlighted through music, dancing, bullfights, the Running From the Bulls and an abundance of traditional foods. Location: Various locations. Contact: (775) 738-3295.

July 2-4 RENO Great International Chicken Wing Society Cook-off More than 10,000 wings are served at this event, which turns up the heat during 3 days of competition. Location: Downtown. Contact: (775) 358-8376. $.

NEW YORK
July 1-3 YOUNGSTOWN French and Indian War Encampment Nearly 1,000 re-enactors from the United States and Canada re-create the siege of 1759. Location: Old Fort Niagara. Contact: (716) 745-7611. $.

July 1-Sept 5 GARRISON Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival Performed on an estate overlooking the Hudson River, this regional festival presents classic works in a tent theater. Location: Boscobel. Contact: (845) 265-9575. $.

July 2-August 14 STERLING (Sat.-Sun. only) Sterling Renaissance Festival More than 200 professional actors and stagehands re-create the look and feel of an English Renaissance Village. Some 80 stage and street performances, craftspeople and savory delicacies also are featured. Location: Farden Road. Contact: (800) 879-4446. $.

July 4 NEW YORK Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Fireworks are shot from barges on the East River. Location: East River Park. Contact: (212) 494-4495.

OREGON
July 1-24 PORTLAND Chamber Music Northwest Summer Festival Some of the world's finest musicians collaborate and perform their favorite masterworks along with less familiar pieces. Location: Reed College. Contact: (503) 294- 6400. $.

July 1-4 PORTLAND Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival One of the largest blues festivals in the country, this event features more than 150 performances on four stages. Location: Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Contact: (503) 973-3378. $.

PENNSYLVANIA
July 1-3 GETTYSBURG Gettysburg Civil War Heritage Days This event commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Featured are livinghistory encampments, re-enactments, a book and paper show, a collectors show, band concerts and a Civil War lecture series. Location: Various Locations throughout the Gettysburg/Adams County area. Contact: (717) 334-6274. $.

July 1-4 PHILADELPHIA Wawa Welcome America! Philadelphia offers more than 40 free events at what is considered to be the country's largest birthday party. Some highlights are the Taste of Philadelphia, the Life, Liberty, and You Parade, and the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony. Location: Citywide. Contact: (215) 683-2200.

July 2-4 PITTSBURGH Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta More than 80 events are held in conjunction with the regatta, including parachute, hot air balloon and water ski shows, and concerts. Location: Point State Park. Contact: (412) 427-4893. $.

SOUTH DAKOTA
July 2-4 BELLE FOURCHE Black Hills Roundup Rodeo Don't miss the barbecue dinner and mutton busting before the Thursday rodeo. Taking place since 1919, this event also features fireworks, a parade, a carnival, a 10K fun run and a country music showdown. Location: Belle Fourche Roundup grounds. Contact: (888) 345-5859. $.

July 3 KEYSTONE Mount Rushmore Independence Day Celebration Musical entertainment, Junior Ranger Swearing In ceremonies and a presentation of colors are just some of the activities taking place at this historic location. Location: Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Contact: (605) 574-2523. Free.

TENNESSEE
July 3-4 GATLINBURG Midnight Independence Day Parade Since 1975 Gatlinburg has been kicking off America's Independence Day celebration with the nation's first parade, which steps off at midnight on July 4. Location: Downtown Parkway. Contact: (800) 568-4748. Free.

TEXAS
July 3 ADDISON Kaboom Town A fireworks display is choreographed to music at an Independence Day celebration. After the fireworks, enjoy food, music, a free movie and the Cavanaugh Flight Museum warbird flyover. Location: Downtown. Contact: (800) 233-4766.

July 4 SAN ANTONIO Freedom Fest Mariachi music, folkloric dancers, street dancing and food booths are highlights of this event. Location: Market Square. Contact: (210) 207-8600. Free.

July 4 SAN ANTONIO July 4th Celebration Enjoy a fun-filled day of games, food, musical entertainment and fireworks. Wear a costume and participate in the patriotic parade Location: Woodlawn Lake Park. Contact: (210) 212-8423. Free.

UTAH
July 1-4 PROVO (Except July 3) America's Freedom Festival at Provo Highlights of this festival include the Balloon Fest, the Freedom Run, the Children's Parade, the Grand Parade and the Stadium of Fire fireworks show. Location: Various locations. Contact: (801) 818-1776.

VIRGINIA
July 2-4 YORKTOWN Liberty Celebration Salute America during the Fourth of July holiday by joining in military drills and learning about the sacrifices of our nation's founders, including those who signed the Declaration of Independence. Location: Yorktown Victory Center. Contact: (757) 253 -4838. $.

July 4 WILLIAMSBURG Independence Day The Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps begins the day with a military salute to the original 13 Colonies. Fireworks also are included. Location: Market Square. Contact: (800) 246-2099. $.

July 4 YORKTOWN Yorktown Independence Day Celebration This family-oriented event features a foot race, a parade, arts and crafts, a classic car show, a children's game area, musical entertainment and a fireworks show over the York River. Location: Historic Yorktown. Contact: (757) 890-3500. Free.

WASHINGTON
July 4 TACOMA Tacoma Freedom Fair and Air Show Enjoy entertainment, food, arts and crafts, fireworks, and an air show. Location: Ruston Way waterfront. Contact: (253) 682-1446.

WEST VIRGINIA
July 1-3 SNOWSHOE Independence and Bluegrass Festival Enjoy a fireworks show following the music. Also offered are arts and crafts, movies and food. There is an admission charge for the bluegrass festival. Location: Snowshoe Mountain Resort. Contact: (304) 572-5633.

WISCONSIN
July 1-10 MILWAUKEE Summerfest This annual festival features music from legendary and nationally known artists as well as regional entertainers. Food, marketplaces and water-sports shows also are offered. Location: Henry Maier Festival Park. Contact: (800) 273-3378. $.

WYOMING
July 1-August 31 CODY Cody Nite Rodeo See America's original sport, rodeo. With more than 55 years of performances, the rodeo has earned Cody the title, Rodeo Capital of the World. Children may get in on the action in the calf scramble. Location: US 14 and Beck Avenue. Contact: (800) 207- 0744.

July 4 JACKSON Music in the Hole Daylong festivities feature pre-symphony entertainment by local performers, culminating in a performance by the Grand Teton Music Festival Orchestra. This outdoor picnic-style concert attracts thousands of attendees. Location: Alpine Field. Contact: (307) 733-1128. Free.

ALBERTA
July 1-August 28 BANFF Banff Summer Arts Festival This summerlong celebration includes dance, drama, opera and jazz performances as well as journalism, media arts and visual arts exhibits. Location: Banff Centre. Contact: (800) 413-8368.

BRITISH COLUMBIA
July 1-3 VANCOUVER Vancouver International Jazz Festival By taking the music to concert halls, parks, clubs, public plazas and neighborhood streets, the Jazz Festival entertains Vancouver with more than 400 concerts. Location: Various locations. Contact: (604) 872-5200. $.

July 1-Sept 24 VANCOUVER Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival Shakespeare plays and related dramas are presented on the waterfront in Vancouver's Vanier Park. Location: Vanier Park. Contact: (604) 739-0559. $.

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
July 1-Sept 17 COW HEAD Gros Morne Theatre Festival This festival includes eight plays in various genres and venues, including dinner theater. Also enjoy evenings of Newfoundland music and recitations. A different author is featured each year. Location: Gros Morne National Park. Contact: (877) 243-2899. $.

NOVA SCOTIA
July 1-8 HALIFAX Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo This gala production of music, action and color includes military bands from around the world as well as civilian dancers and gymnasts. Location: Halifax Metro Centre. Contact: (902) 420-1114. $.

July 3-10 ANTIGONISH Antigonish Highland Games Highland games, clan gatherings, concerts, piping, dancing and drumming competitions are highlights of this event. Location: Various locations. Contact: (902) 863-4275.

ONTARIO
July 1-Oct 30 NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE Shaw Festival More than 800 performances are staged at this festival that reputedly is the only festival in the world that specializes in plays written by George Bernard Shaw. Location: Various locations. Contact: (800) 511-7429. $.

July 1-3 TORONTO Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival Enjoy performances by more than 1,500 artists from around the world at some 30 venues. Blues, gospel, world beat and Latin performances are featured. An artisans' village also is featured. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Location: Various locations. Contact: (416) 928-2033. $.

July 1-3 TORONTO International CHIN Picnic More than 2,000 performers from around the world participate in this event. A dance festival, sports events, children's activities, international foods and amusement rides also are offered. A fireworks display is presented on Canada Day. Location: National Trade Centre, Exhibition Place. Contact: (416) 263-3000. Free.

July 1-Sept 5 TORONTO Harbourfront Centre World Routes Artists from around the world present more than 200 concerts during this summer music festival. Films, food festivals, dance and theatrical performances, visual arts, crafts, interactive activities and workshops complement the concerts. Location: Harbourfront Centre. Contact: (416) 973-4000.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
July 1-3 CHARLOTTETOWN Charlottetown SummerFest This family-friendly event features children's activities, a petting zoo, a 3-on-3 hockey tournament, a custom-made Cirque du Soleil, a giant sandbox, the West Coast Lumberjack Show, buskers' shows, a 10-hour concert, and a fireworks display. Location: Confederation Landing Park. Contact: (902) 629-1864. $.

QUEBEC
July 1-Oct 2 GRAND-METIS International Garden Festival The main attraction is the temporary gardens created by designers from Canada and around the world. Workshops, lectures and exhibitions complete the program. Location: Reford Gardens. Contact: (418) 775-2222.

July 1-30 MONTREAL (Sat. only) Montreal International Fireworks Competition Spectators will witness fireworks set to music as some of the world's most prestigious firms compete. Location: La Ronde amusement park. Contact: (514) 397-2000. $.

July 1-4 MONTREAL International Jazz Festival More than 2,000 of the best performers, along with promising newcomers, present more than 500 indoor and outdoor shows in downtown Montreal. Location: Downtown. Contact: (514) 871-1881. Free.