The 4th of July is an important day in America as it commemorates the adoption of the declaration of the country’s independence on July 4, 1776. It is the day the Continental Congress declared that the 13 American colonies were no longer part of the British Empire. That’s how the United States of America came to be.
Commonly referred to as the Independence Day, July Fourth and the Fourth of July, this day is a federal holiday in America. Everybody is therefore expected to show patriotism by sparing some time to celebrate the American independence. Many Americans have devised different ways of marking the historic day, including barbecues, concerts, fireworks, carnivals, parades and picnics.
But perhaps some of the most common July Fourth celebration ideas are the Betsy Ross parades and the stilt walking Uncle Sam. These two have, for a long time, been and still are the signature performances in almost every Independence Day celebration. In fact they are in every event organizer’s pocket checklist for this momentous day. The question is: Why do they mean so much to Americans? The truth is that a lot of meaning and importance lies in the outfits and not in the acts.
Uncle Sam
This is a popular American symbol commonly associated with a famous male cartoon figure with long white hair and chin whiskers dressed in a blue swallow-tailed coat, vest, tall hat and striped trousers. His looks were derived from two customary symbolic figures in a famous American folklore: Yankee Doodle, a name given to American settlers during the American Revolution, and Brother Jonathan, a rural American man who always triumphed over his enemies in plays, stories, cartoons, and poems through his extraordinary native intelligence.
Although there are many contestations over its origin, the name “Uncle Sam” is said to have been associated with a famous businessman from New York, Samuel Wilson, who was affectionately referred to as “Uncle Sam”. He used to supply the army during the War of 1812 with barrels of beef labeled as “U.S.” to indicate that they belonged to the American government. This, reportedly, led to the widespread use of the name “Uncle Sam” for the United State. In 1961, a resolution passed by Congress recognized Samuel Wilson as the namesake of the national symbol. All along, many Americans have been wearing Uncle Sam’s attires on Independence Day as a way of showing their patriotism.
Betsy Ross
According to common American folklore, Betsy Ross, a fourth-generation American woman born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1752, made the first American flag. She and her husband John Ross owned an upholstery business that made flags for Pennsylvania. She is said to have sewed the first American flag in June 1776 following a visit from President George Washington, Robert Morris, and her husband’s uncle, George Ross.
Although there is no credible evidence to support these claims, Betsy Ross continues to be an important icon in the history of America. Her costume, which includes a white top with a red ribbon, a blue vest and fanned sleeves, and a polyester dress with white and red stripes on the bottom, has become the signature wear for most American women and girls on Independence Day. It is also considered a symbol of patriotism.
Stilt Walking Uncle Sam and Betsy Ross Parades
The stilt walking Uncle Sam and Betsy Ross parades are highly preferred for July Fourth celebrations because they bring an all American fun to the events, reminding everyone of their patriotic duty and responsibility to love and respect their country. Betsy Ross parades too remind Americans of the important values represented by the American flag, which include freedom, liberty and justice.
If you are looking to hire a stilt walking Uncle Sam or Betsy Ross parade entertainers for your 4th of July party, then you should contact Firestorm Talent & Entertainment. We have highly qualified and experienced stilt walkers and dancers for all your event entertainment needs.
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