The fourth of July is the national holiday of the United States of America commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The first Independence Day celebration took place the following year on July 4, 1777.

By the early 1800's, the traditions of parades through streets, family picnics, fireworks lighting up the night sky, and concerts in the park became the norm for the observance of our independence from the English crown.

Local residents will want to mark their calendars for Saturday July 2, and join park rangers at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park for an evening of good old-fashioned family fun for the July 4th weekend celebration. Greg Breeding and the Brushfire Band will perform traditional bluegrass music at the Wilderness Road Campground Amphitheater beginning at 8 p.m.

The campground is located off of Highway 58 in Virginia, two miles east of the Highway 25E and Highway 58 intersection.

Bluegrass, a blend of Appalachian folk, blues, spirituals and gospel music began in the mountains of Kentucky during the 1930's.

"Greg Breeding and the Brushfire Band has been a favorite for park visitors," says Park Ranger Sharon Griffin. "Their style of traditional Bluegrass music is always a crowd pleaser."

Brushfire Band is a bluegrass group based in Lawrenceburg, Ky. Formed in 1977, the band has performed in a variety of venues. Past engagements include performing before each University of Kentucky home basketball game, touring the Kentucky State Park system and playing at major hotels in the Lexington area.

The National Park Service and Eastern National, the park's non-profit organization, will sponsor this free program. In case of rain, the concert will be moved to the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park visitor center.

For additional information on this and other special programs, contact Cumberland Gap National Historical Park at (606) 248-2817.