Before the Declaration of Independence, there was the Olive Branch Petition.
Written 250 years ago on July 5th, the Olive Branch Petition was Thomas Jefferson’s first attempt to explain to King George III why the American Colonies were rebelling and ask for reconciliation.
The “Shot heard ‘round the world” had been fired almost three months earlier, and the Battle of Bunker Hill had just ended. It was readily apparent to the Second Continental Congress that the situation was spinning out of control. In a last-ditch effort to stave off a rebellion and attempt a peaceful settlement, John Hancock authorized the drafting of a document to explain the colonies’ position, acknowledge their loyalty to the King and propose a solution to the conflict.
Everything the colonists knew about their government was that the King’s representative controlled most of the governing of their political subdivision, and the actions of the Royal Governor were generally respected as if the King himself was in residence. What the colonists could not appreciate was the emerging British constitutional government caused Parliament to become more powerful while the King’s authority gradually eroded. Most critical in this tug of war for authority was the power of the purse. The King and Parliament routinely argued over taxing and spending with Parliament eventually gaining the upper hand.
But during this time, while the role and responsibility of the King and Parliament were being established, the colonies were in the midst of creating their own unique political system. Initially, the colonies grew and developed with little, if any, input from the King. The customs as British subjects were transferred in a seamless manner, almost by osmosis, that accepted a local structure of self-government that was limited and almost invisible. The law and accompanying political organization were accepted by the colonies because they were familiar; but most importantly, they worked.
Always looking for new revenue to fund both the Crown and Parliament, the colonies became an untapped revenue stream. Under the excuse that the cost of protecting the colonies from foreign invasion should be paid for by the direct beneficiaries (the colonies), Parliament acted. Beginning in 1764, Parliament sought to impose various taxes on the colonies. The King benefited from these taxes as a portion of the generated revenue directly funded his royal court, but the numerous acts imposing taxes were not issued in the name of the sovereign, but in the name of Parliament.
So, with each successive tax, the colonists became more vexed and sought to avoid new levies in many ways; some benign, like smuggling or boycotting to avoid payment, or direct action, like the destruction of property to illustrate displeasure. But in all these aggressions against parliamentary acts, the colonists reasoned that if King George could understand the situation and reign in Parliament, then the colonial relationship could be restored. The colonists failed to appreciate the King’s complicity in the imposition of the various taxes.
When the relationship between the colonies further deteriorated and red coats were ordered to disarm colonial militias, the war of words turned into a hot war with the loss of life and destruction of property. Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill were more than simple police actions — they were serious military conflicts with significant casualties. With the conflict escalating, the Continental Congress tried one last step and appealed to the King with the Olive Branch Petition, which almost begged for a restoration of their former relationship. Thomas Jefferson’s initial draft of the Olive Branch Petition was too strident and bellicose, so with input from other founding fathers, John Dickinson would tone it down, and his revision was sent to the King after being approved by Congress.
King George never read the conciliatory document and instead responded by issuing his own Proclamation of Rebellion authorizing force to restrain the rebellion and hang the leaders. The Olive Branch Petition was an attempt to avoid bloodshed and restore an amicable relationship between the crown and colonies, but in rejecting the petition, the King, to his eventual detriment, turned loyalists into rebels.
One year later, Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence would set an inevitable course; Washington’s victory at Yorktown would conclude the matter.
Will Sellers is a contributor to The Daily Caller News Foundation, graduate of Hillsdale College, and was appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of Alabama. He is best reached at jws@willsellers.com
All across State 48, the youngest of the contiguous United States, from Flagstaff to Bisbee and from Yuma to Queen Creek, patriots across Arizona will be joining together to celebrate the 249th anniversary of American independence with friends, family, fireworks and fry-bread; hot dogs, hamburgers and high temperatures (and hopefully misters).
No matter how you like to celebrate the 4th of July, be it with the Stalwart folk of Arizona’s Mountains and the Mogollon Rim, or the hardy denizens of the Valley of the Sun, undismayed by triple digits scorchers, you’ll find the best events for the Independence Day weekend right here.
Anthem
Anthem Independence Day Celebration Location: Anthem Community Park – 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway Date/Time: July 3, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM Cost: Free admission. Details: Celebrate in Anthem for a family-friendly event with a fireworks display, water slides, activities, and festival-style entertainment. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the fun-filled event and food trucks.
Apache Junction
Apache Junction 4th of July Celebration Location: Superstition Shadows Park – 1091 W. Southern Ave. Date/Time: July 4, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Cost: Free admission. Details: A free community event with game booths hosted by local vendors and nonprofits, live music, and a fireworks display. There will also be many food trucks with a variety of food.
Avondale
Light Up the Sky Fireworks Event Location: Phoenix Raceway – 7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr Date/Time: July 4, 6:00 PM, fireworks at 8:25 PM Cost: Free admission. Details: Celebrate your 4th of July in Avondale with friends and family. There will be many food trucks, vendors, and games for all ages. There will also be live music before the West Valley’s largest fireworks display.
Bisbee
Bisbee 4th of July Celebration Location: Downtown Bisbee Date/Time: July 4, All Day Cost: Free admission. Details: A historic celebration with a parade, spring contests, patriotic events, dances, picnics, and fireworks. The parade starts at 11:00 AM, and there will be prizes for Best in Show and Best Themed.
Buckeye
Buckeye Independence Day Celebration Location: Buckeye Municipal Airport – 3000 S. Palo Verde Rd. Date/Time: July 4, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Cost: Free admission. Details: Pack your blankets and chairs to celebrate the 4th of July with the City of Buckeye. Bring your favorite yard games and friends to enjoy a tailgate-style event. There will be a variety of food trucks, vendors, and live music to enjoy during your evening out.
Casa Grande
Casa Grande 4th of July Celebration Location: Paul Mason Sports Complex – 2525 N. Pinal Ave Date/Time: July 4, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Cost: Free admission. Details: A free community event with fireworks, live music, water inflatables, games, and a bubble zone. Swimwear is recommended for water activities. There will also be food trucks and the ability to win giveaways.
Chandler
Chandler’s All-American Bash Location: Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E Commonwealth Ave Date/Time: July 4, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Cost: Free admission. Details: Enjoy Downtown Chandler while celebrating with the community on the 4th of July. There will be a big Outside the Line musical event with many food and drink vendors. The first 400 people will get to claim a coupon for a free treat at one of the participating food vendors.
Clarkdale
Clarkdale’s Old-fashioned 4th of July Celebration Location: Main Street and Historic Town Park – 1001 Main St. Date/Time: July 4, 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM Cost: Free admission. Details: A small-town celebration with a parade on Main Street, a pancake breakfast in the historic town park, and additional patriotic activities. There will be many events for kids, including children’s games and a children’s parade.
Cottonwood
Fantastic Family Fourth of July Location: Cottonwood Kids’ Park Date/Time: July 4, 4:00 PM–9:30 PM Cost: Free admission. $1 parking per car Details: Bring your family and come celebrate the 4th of July in the city of Cottonwood. There will be a variety of games, activities, and vendors for all ages to enjoy the day. After all of the fun, there will be a fireworks show at 9:00 PM.
Flagstaff
Celebrating America’s Freedom Drone Show Location: Multiple viewing locations: Buffalo Park – 2400 N. Gemini Dr., Moonshot – 2225 N. Gemini Dr., Flagstaff Aquaplex – 1702 N. Fourth St. Date/Time: July 4, 9:10 PM Cost: Free admission Details: With multiple viewing points, take your family and grab your blankets and chairs to view a mesmerizing drone show. This replaces fireworks with growing concerns about wildfires during the hot months.
Chamber 4th of July Parade Location: Beginning at Elm and Beaver, going south on Beaver and then taking a left on Aspen to San Francisco. Then north on San Francisco until back to Elm. Date/Time: July 4, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Cost: Free Admission Details: Floats will be driving through the patriotic backdrop in Historic Downtown Flagstaff. Enjoy the 4th of July parade and support local businesses and organizations.
Fountain Hills
Fourth at the Fountain Location: Fountain Park – 12925 N Saguaro Boulevard Date/Time: July 4, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM Cost: Free admission. Details: Celebrate the 4th of July at Fountain Park with a variety of food vendors, including Italian ice and frozen lemonade to keep you cool. Bring as many blankets and chairs as you need to enjoy a night at the fountain. There will also be live music by Rock Lobster right before the fireworks.
Gilbert
Gilbert 4th of July Celebration Location: Gilbert Regional Park, 3005 E Queen Creek Rd Date/Time: July 4, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM Cost: Free admission. $15 parking per car Details: Join the Town of Gilbert in celebrating the 4th of July this year. There will be live performances, a drone show, and a fireworks show. There will also be a variety of food and drink vendors.
Glendale
Firework Fest at Westgate Location: Westgate – 6700 N. Sunrise Blvd. Date/Time: July 4, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM Cost: Free to attend. Details: A big community event with airbrush tattoos, family games, pop-up splash zone with fire trucks, live music by Honeygirl and DJ MixedKid x The Sunflower King, and a large fireworks show. Dining deals are available.
Goodyear
Goodyear Fireworks Location: Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S Ballpark Way Date/Time: July 4, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM Cost: Free admission. Details: Bring your family and enjoy a night celebrating the 4th of July at Goodyear Ballparks. There will be food trucks, live music, and plenty of family fun for all ages. The city will also be hosting its first-ever drone show.
Kingman
July 4th Fireworks Show Location: Mohave County Fairgrounds – 2600 Fairgrounds Blvd. Date/Time: July 4, 9:15 PM Cost: Free Admission Details: The City of Kingman is putting on a fireworks show to celebrate the 4th of July. The main viewing is at Mohave County Fairgrounds, but can also be seen from around the city.
Lake Havasu City
Fire on the Water 4th of July Festival Location: Rotary Park Baseball Diamond – 1400 S. Smoketree Ave Date/Time: July 4, 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM Cost: Free Admission Details: This event is full of vendors and food trucks, including cold beer and lawn chair seating. There will also be a car and boat show with fireworks and lasers finale.
Lake Pleasant
Pleasant Harbor’s Celebrate America ‘25 Location: Lake Pleasant – 8708 W. Harbor Blvd Date/Time: July 3, 5 PM – 10:30 PM Cost: Free Admission, $35 parking, $40 parking with watercraft Details: Celebrate the 4th of July along the shores of Lake Pleasant with tons of free kids’ activities along with concerts, food trucks, and vendors. Feel free to bring your lawn chairs, coolers, tents, and canopies to enjoy the celebration, and conclude it with fireworks at 9 PM.
Litchfield Park
4th of July Splash Bash Location: Litchfield Park Recreation Center – 100 S. Old Litchfield Rd. Date/Time: July 4, 10 AM-5PM Cost: $6 per person or free with pool pass, $2 for kids under 3 years old Details: Plenty of patriotic games, music, and activities. It will be open to the public for community gatherings and tons of family fun while celebrating with friends and family on the 4th of July.
Marana
Marana’s Star-Spangled Spectacular Location: Crossroads at Silverbell District Park – 7548 N. Silverbell Rd. Date/Time: July 4, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM Cost: Free admission. Details: Independence Day festival with a massive fireworks show, live music, yard games, and family activities. There will be food trucks, vendors, and even a petting zoo and creation station for the kids.
Mesa
Arizona Celebration of Freedom Location: Downtown Mesa, 263 N Center Street Date/Time: July 4, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Cost: Free admission. Details: Billed as Arizona’s “coolest” Independence Day event, this free celebration includes live music, yard games, food vendors, and patriotic displays, culminating in a fireworks show.
Oro Valley
Oro Valley 4th of July Celebration Location: James D. Kriegh Park – 23 W. Calle Concordia Date/Time: July 4, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM Cost: Free admission. Details: Come celebrate in the Town of Oro Valley for a free, family-friendly event with live music, games, and a fireworks show. There will also be food trucks, a beer garden, and kids crafts.
Payson
4th of July Celebration Location: Green Valley Park, 1000 W. Country Club Dr. Date/Time: July 4, 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM Cost: Free Admission Details: Join the city of Payson all afternoon, celebrating the 4th of July in many ways. It begins with family games, vendors, and food trucks, and a concert starting at 4:00 PM. A pie-eating contest will follow at 6:00 PM, and the day will end after the fireworks show at 9:00 PM.
Peoria
City of Peoria’s All-American Festival Location: Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N 83rd Ave Date/Time: July 4, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM Cost: Free admission. Details: Bring your family and pack your blankets and lawn chairs to celebrate with the City of Peoria in their 4th of July festival. There will be a variety of food trucks and sweet treats for everyone in the family to enjoy. There is a $45 VIP option that includes meals, private bathrooms, and an air-conditioned space.
Phoenix
4th of July Parade and Celebration Location: Royal Palm Park – 8405 N. 15th Ave. Date/Time: July 4, 7 AM-9 AM Cost: Free Admission Details: Family-friendly event full of vendor booths, bike parade, and pie-eating contest. The Fire Department will also be there with a water spray experience.
Splash After Dark at Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Location: Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Date/Time: July 4, 2025, 5:00 PM–late Cost: Hotel guests only. Details: Features Aspen Vodka tastings and La Fresas cocktails (5:00–6:30 PM) in the lobby, followed by Flecha Azul tequila tasting and Pineapple Jalapeño Margaritas at Breeze Bar (7:00–8:30 PM). Includes music and giveaways.
Fabulous Phoenix 4th Location: Steele Indian School Park, 300 E Indian School Rd Date/Time: July 4, 2025, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM (fireworks at 9:00 PM) Cost: Free admission. Details: One of the largest fireworks displays in the Southwest, this free, non-alcoholic family event features live entertainment, food vendors, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
Pinetop
July 4th Fine Arts and Crafts Festival Location: Orchard at Charlie Clark’s Steakhouse – 1701 E. White Mountain Blvd. Date/Time: July 4 & 5, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, July 6, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Cost: Free Admission Details: Join Pinetop in celebrating the 4th of July all weekend long at their 50th Annual July 4th Fine Arts and Crafts Festival. There will be a variety of vendors showing their amazing artistic abilities and talents.
Prescott
Prescott’s 4th – Freedom, Fun & Fireworks Location: Watson Lake Date/Time: July 4, 2025, gates open at 1:00 PM, fireworks at 9:00 PM Cost: Free admission. Details: Bring your family to the mountains of Prescott to enjoy a family-friendly event with live music, patriotic activities, and a fireworks display.
Red, White, and Boom Location: Prescott Valley Civic Center – 3300 Prescott Valley Pipeline Mul Path Date/Time: July 4, 3:00 PM–9:00 PM Cost: Free admission. Details: Join the community in celebrating the 4th of July at the Red, White, and Boom Event at the Civic Center. There will be food trucks, drinks, dessert vendors, and many more fun things to do with your family.
Queen Creek
Hometown 4th Location: Schnepf Farms – 24810 S. Rittenhouse Rd. Date/Time: July 4, 4:00 PM Cost: $45 per car Details: Enjoy the 4th of July at Schnepf Farms. The gates open at 4:00 PM with tons of food trucks, live music, and vendors. There are also water Inflatables for all ages, and a Beer and Wine Garden (21+). To end the night off, there will be a sky full of fireworks.
San Luis Fourth of July Freedom Celebration Location: Joe Orduño Park – 965 Park Ave Date/Time: July 4, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Cost: Tickets $1 presale, $2 at gate Details: A great community event featuring fireworks, live music, and family-friendly activities. Food and drink vendors will be there offering a variety of different items.
Scottsdale
Splash & Sparklers July 4th Event Location: W. Scottsdale Date/Time: June 30–July 4, 2025, daytime pool parties, fireworks on July 4 Cost: Tickets from $25 for non-guests; free for hotel guests Details: A five-day celebration with poolside DJ sets, chilled cocktails, and rooftop fireworks on July 4, followed by a night swim party. Book a hotel room for free access or reserve a VIP cabana. 21+ event.
Freedom Fest at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Location: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Date/Time: July 3–July 5, 2025, fireworks nightly at 9:00 PM Cost: For resort guests only. Details: Resort-guest-only event with fireworks, live concerts (Sapphire Sky, PopROCKs, Al Paris & The Heartbreakers), vintage military air shows, roping games, gem panning, rodeo zones, and dive-in movies. Offers 25% off for 2-night stays, 30% off for 3 nights.
WestWorld of Scottsdale July 4th Celebration Location: WestWorld, Scottsdale – 16601 N. Pima Rd. Date/Time: July 4, 2025, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Cost: $50 for indoor backyard BBQ for ages 11+ and $30 for ages 6-10, Children under 5 go in for FREE, $20/car for fireworks only. Details: Indoor/outdoor event with Scottsdale’s largest fireworks display, live bull riding, mutton busting, musical chairs, cake walks, face painting, Summer Slider Eating Contest, Parade of Heroes, and a backyard BBQ.
Sedona
4th of July Celebration – Summer Splash Location: Sedona Community Pool – 570 Pose Ground Rd. Date/Time: July 4, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Cost: Free Admission Details: Spend your day with the community of Sedona and enjoy the city’s biggest pool party with music, food, and fun. The event is free, but there will be vendors who charge for their services. Dry off just in time for the city’s fireworks show at dusk.
Enchantment Resort’s Fourth of July Celebration Location: Enchantment Resort, Sedona, AZ Date/Time: July 5, 2025, 5:30 PM–evening Cost: $95/adult, $65/child. Details: Western-style event with BBQ dinner, Charles Goodnight Whiskey tastings, live music by Kicked Out of Cottonwood, line dancing lessons, and lawn games like axe throwing and cornhole. For Enchantment and Mii amo guests only.
Show Low
Freedom Fest Location: Main Street, Show Low High School Date/Time: July 4, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Cost: Free Admission Details: The celebration begins at 9:00 AM with a 4th of July Parade along Deuce of Clubs. Following that is a Wet Zone at Frontier Park and a Freedom Fest celebration on the high school football field at 3:00 PM. The night ends with a fireworks show at the high school at 9:00 PM.
St. Johns
4th of July Location: Throughout the town, ending at the Airport Fairgrounds Date/Time: July 4, 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM Cost: Free Admission Details: Celebrate in St. Johns with a day full of events. The day starts with a 1-mile and 5k race and will be followed by a Pancake Breakfast. At 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM there is a patriotic program and free BBQ. Gather around at the end of the night with fireworks at the Airport.
Surprise
Independence Day Celebration Location: Surprise Community Park – 16089 N. Bullard Ave. Date/Time: July 4, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Cost: Free Admission Details: Celebrate the 4th of July with the community of Surprise and enjoy a variety of food trucks and other vendors. Arrive early to ensure a great spot and bring plenty of blankets, chairs, and water.
Independence Day Pool Party Location: Surprise Aquatic Center – 15831 N. Bullard Ave. Date/Time: July 4, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Cost: $6 per person Details: For Surprise Residents only. Bring the whole family out to the Aquatic Center for an evening filled with friends and fun. Admission also includes games and activities for all ages, and a poolside view of the city’s annual fireworks show. Space is limited to the first 400 residents. Get your tickets now: Activity detail | Surprise Parks & Recreation
Tempe
Tempe 4th of July Celebration Location: Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W Alameda Dr Date/Time: July 4, 2025, 5:00 PM–10:00 PM (drone show and fireworks at 9:00 PM) Cost: $12 per person, kids under 12 have free admission Details: Features a drone show and fireworks, with games, live music, and family activities. The event will be full of food trucks and different areas full of excitement for you and your family. Get your tickets here: Tempe 4th of July Celebration | City of Tempe, AZ
Tolleson
4th of July Celebration Location: Tolleson Veterans Park, 8601 W. Van Buren St. Date/Time: July 4, 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM Cost: Free Admission Details: Celebrate the 4th of July with the city of Tolleson and enjoy live music, waterslides, and watermelon. End the night off with the city’s fireworks show. Free Uber Rides for all Tolleson Residents.
Tucson
Poolside DJ & S’mores at Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa Location: Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, Tucson, AZ Date/Time: July 4–July 5, 2025, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM Cost: Included with resort stay. Details: Sabino’s Pool Bar & Grill hosts food service (10:00 AM–8:00 PM), live DJ (11:00 AM–7:00 PM), LALO Tequila samples (12:00–2:00 PM), swim-up movie (7:30 PM), and complimentary s’mores (8:00 PM).
City of Tucson 27th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration Location: “A” Mountain/Sentinel Peak Park – 1001 Sentinel Peak Rd. South Date/Time: July 4, 9:00 PM Cost: Free admission. Details: A free fireworks show launched from “A” Mountain, viewable from various public locations around Tucson. No formal event activities, but public viewing is free and accessible.
Wickenburg
4th of July Spectacular Location: Sunset Park – 3020 W. Wickenburg Way Date/Time: July 4, 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM Cost: Free Admission Details: Enjoy this 4th of July in Wickenburg with live music, food trucks, vendors, and many games. There will also be water slides and face painting for all ages. Bring your chairs, blankets, and coolers for an evening of fun with the family. The night will end with a fireworks show at 9:00 PM.
Williams
All-American Block Party Location: Cureton Park, 601 N. Grand Canyon Blvd. Date/Time: July 4, All Day Cost: Free Admission Details: Start your day with the All-American Block Party that includes an all-day softball, cornhole, and horseshoe tournaments for all ages. Then cool off with a dunk tank, fire department spray, and a kid zone. At 6:00 PM, there will be a parade with the opportunity to catch all the action and even some candy and goodies. The night will end after the fireworks show at 9:00 PM.
Yuma
Yuma 4th of July Spectacular Location: Desert Sun Stadium, Yuma, AZ Date/Time: July 4, 2025, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM (fireworks at 9:00 PM) Cost: Free admission. Details: Join Yuma in celebrating the 4th of July with a free community event. There will be a fireworks show, family-friendly activities, and a variety of food vendors. Gates open at 6:00 PM.
As we approach Independence Day perhaps the words of President Thomas Jefferson can remind us of the cause our freedom that out Founding Fathers fought and died for:
“Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights.” –Thomas Jefferson to Richard Price, January 8, 1789.
