It doesn't matter what side of the political spectrum you're on — most people can agree that Independence Day in the United States is filled with festivities, fun and plenty of fireworks.
People have celebrated this country's birthday with picnics and parades since Day 1. Check out some photos from decades past to see how your ancestors spent their happy Fourth of July holiday.
Appetizing on a Hot July Day
vintageadz / Facebook
One pack, three choices — Neapolitan ice cream for Independence Day.
Watching the Parade
The Vintage Rock & Pop Shop / Facebook
Bikes make a perfect platform for watching any parade.
A Very Victorian Fourth
Myvintagehistory / Facebook
Fourth of July celebrations may have been simple at the turn of last century, but they were no less festive.
Letting Her Freak Flag Fly
wacotexascentennial / Facebook
She must have been conveying her patriotism around town. Note that she is on roller skates.
Tricycle Parade Group
VintageBend / Facebook
These proud kids strutted their patriotic stuff during an Independence Day parade in the 1940s.
The Best Seat on the Parade Route
Staten Island Advance/classicstatenisland / Facebook
If you were able to swing this ride, you were the coolest kid on the block.
Neighborhood Fife and Drum Corps
saturdaysworld / Facebook
Fourth of July entertainment without ever having to leave your yard.
The Importance of Picking Out the Best Fireworks
Retrowifey / Facebook
What you got could make or break your Independence Day celebration.
Lady Liberty and Friends
MojaveDesert.Net / Facebook
Fourth of July pageantry courtesy of 1940s schoolchildren.
Eating Up Independence Day
AuroraHistoryCO / Facebook
Pie-eating contests were always a highlight of any Independence Day celebration.
Strange Independence Day Advertising
MiltonHistoricalSocietyVT / Facebook
Sure, they were part of a grand parade procession, but where were the showers?
The Patriotic Singing Kaydees
Historic Southwest Detroit and the General George S. Patton Memorial Park / Facebook
The Kaydees' songs about dairy products could have been chart-toppers.
The Floating Fathers
tiffinsenecalibrary / Facebook
Going that extra mile with costumes and really getting into the Fourth of July Spirit.
Strike Up the Band
Randy Johnson/VintageBend / Facebook
Every Independence Day celebration needs a band to fire up the crowd.
A Fourth of July Balancing Act
VintageRoadside / Facebook
Patriotism isn't for land only. You can even achieve it on water.
She's a Grand Old Flag
Janie K. Smith / Facebook
Fourth of July fashion around the turn of the last century.
Cover Your Ears
DowntownSantaMonica / Facebook
An explosive Fourth of July party on the beach in Santa Monica.
A Classic Independence Day Barbecue
qualityretrooldies / Facebook
People used to dress up for any event, including a backyard barbecue.
Clowning Around in the Fourth of July Parade
Lori Pepper / Facebook
A patriotic clown and his posse.
Make It a Festive Celebration
Vintagephotojunkie / Facebook
These clearly excited girls with you a safe and happy Fourth of July.