THE SPARK OF HISTORY

[HostDave]

We have to admit that we love fireworks. There’s something so joyous and uplifting about these brief bursts of lights, sound and colored sparks that make an event special. Although sometimes it is the event itself that makes the fireworks themselves special. For all of us here at the American Queen Steamboat Company, the Fourth of July is one of those days. That’s why we’re offering two cruise options.

Choose from our 8-day Good Old Summertime cruise from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh from June 27 to July 4, or our 7-day Fourth of July Celebration sailing from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati beginning July 3 and ending July 9. Guests sailing on the first trip can select an optional post-cruise stay in Pittsburgh on Independence Day while those who embark on the second voyage will receive our standard complimentary one-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Pittsburgh on July 3 and then fireworks viewing from the decks of the American Queen as she departs on her river voyage.

And there will be plenty of fireworks. The celebration on the Fourth of July is part of Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers Regatta which features fleets of small craft on the river. The entire Three Rivers Regatta lasts for three days culminating on Independence Day, so the fireworks show isn’t just about America’s freedom but about a bang-up finale to one of the biggest events held in Pittsburgh each year. Point Park will be filled with more than half a million people. It’s a show you don’t want to miss.

You also won’t want to miss the shows on board the American Queen on these special cruises. On the 8-day Good Old Summertime cruise from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh, guests can enjoy Storefront Congregation, America’s fastest rising bluegrass act which has the feel and sound of an Alison Krause or Nickle Creek show; the Juggernaut Jug Band which performs a toe-tapping eclectic mix of blues, jug music, and bluegrass; and Dave & Cathy who blend bluegrass and folk music with a wide array of eclectic acoustic instruments. The 7-day Fourth of July Celebration sailing from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati features the Atlantic City Boys, the ultimate tribute to the Four Seasons performing favorite hits such as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Let’s Hang On” and others; and Lynn Roberts, the last of the great American big band singers who has performed with Harry James, Artie Shaw, Frank Sinatra and both Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey.

It’s hard to believe that all of this hoopla goes back to the signing of a single document in Philadelphia 228 years ago. The Declaration of Independence was more than just a piece of paper, it was the beginning of a nation. Many wonder why John Hancock let his ego get the best of him and signed his name far larger than anyone else. It turns out that ego had nothing to do with it. The signers of the Declaration of Independence were committing treason against Mother England and by identifying themselves with their signatures on this now-hallowed document, they were subject to death. To boldy proclaim his commitment, Hancock signed larger than others so those who might seek to forever silence America’s founders would come after him first. It was the ultimate act of patriotism, not ego.

There were no fireworks that day in 1776, however. Though one might be tempted to believe that fireworks were not yet used for celebrations in the 18th century the truth is that fireworks had become popular in Europe by the late 1700s, thanks to the French. Of course as most people know, the origins of fireworks go back over 1,400 years to the 7th century in China.

Most scholars attribute the Chinese with the invention of fireworks, a natural corollary to their creation of gunpowder. While the Vikings were raiding Northern Europe and bubonic plague was sweeping the continent, the Chinese were utilizing fireworks to celebrate their great events and achievements in a society largely cut off from that of Europe. And fireworks in China weren’t just sponsored by the various dynasties. By the time the Song Dynasty rolled around in 960, average citizens had both the means and ability to purchase fireworks to celebrate their own personal milestones.

However, the Chinese mastery of fireworks seemed to elude Europeans for centuries. In 1758, a Jesuit missionary wrote a treatise on the methods and technology behind Chinese fireworks. His work was largely unknown until 1763 when the Paris Academy of Sciences published his work. Translated two years later, the book spread the word about fireworks far and wide. A mere 11 years later, the Declaration of Independence was signed without the fanfare of fireworks, an omission we have more than compensated for today with the arrival of Independence Day each year. It’s rather interesting that for many people, fireworks are more closely associated with the United States of America than they are with China, a rather interesting twist that will reach a sky-high crescendo in Pittsburgh on the Fourth of July as well as in thousands of other communities across the United States.

The American Queen Steamboat Company feels a particular affinity for Independence Day. We have to admit that we wear our patriotic heart on our sleeve. We are proud to be American-owned, American-run, American-staffed and operate American-built and American-flagged riverboats on America’s waterways. We’re proud to be among the handful of cruise companies that can make those claims. For us, Fourth of July fireworks are a celebration of who we are.

This summer, we hope that you’ll join us in this extraordinary celebration on either our June 27 8-day Good Old Summertime cruise from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh or our July 3 7-day Fourth of July Celebration sailing from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati. Reserve the suite or stateroom of your choice quickly and you can save 50%* on the June 27 departure. Now is the time to feel like a kid again and spend the evening enthralled by a fireworks display exploding above America’s largest steamboat. It’s a vacation you’ll never forget!

*Offer expires June 20, 2014 and is valid on new, paid-in-full bookings only. Offer of 50% savings applies to regular cruise fare only, regardless of cabin category, and is only valid on these 2014 American Queen voyage dates: 6/12, 6/20, 6/23 and 6/27. Offer valid on U.S. and Canada resident bookings only.