It seems like more and more families are finding it difficult to find both the activities as well as the time to just be together. With kids overbooked afterschool and parents working there isn't a lot of quality time happening in most homes these days. Sporting teams, computers, culture and other hobbies oftentimes keep friends and families separated as they each enjoy their own unique ventures.

Perhaps this is one of the many reasons American's look forward to the 4th of July fireworks each year. A day that gives families a chance to reconnect. Fireworks offer something for just about everyone of every age. Visit any venue where there is fireworks show and you will see families huddled together pointing, singing and staring up in awe at the incredible party in the sky.

The history of the day was planned as a great family festival, going back to John Adams who said that the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence should be, "celebrated by succeeding generations as the great Anniversary Festival. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, bells, guns, bonfires and illuminations from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward and forevermore."

Since 1893 the Zambellis have been watching people-watch fireworks. Safe to say, they know a bit about audience reactions and spectator spontaneity. After polling their staff here is the general consensus on the average audience member's typical reaction to a fireworks spectacular.

• It's the booms not the brightness for most men. Not surprisingly, women prefer the gold and sparkling displays the best.
• Most people say they really look forward to hearing the traditional patriotic tunes each 4th of July.
• The average person oohs and aahs at least one time per minute when viewing a fireworks show.
• Most people say that their fireworks photography never truly captures the beauty of the actual display. A majority states that their photography never comes out better than a black sky with a few colored streaks.
• The most asked question fireworks technicians get is, "how do you do that?"

Because most people are so curious about fireworks here a few fun facts about fireworks, their history and how they're made.

• It takes a minimum of three days to make a fireworks shell.
• It takes a minimum of one full day to setup a fireworks show, with many shows taking multiple days.
• You see the explosion before hearing it because sound travels at 742 miles per hour, but light travels 670,616,625.6 miles per hour.
• Fireworks colors are made with bright burning metallic salts, which may be intensified by adding chlorine compounds.
• Fireworks' hums, whistles, booms and bangs are also made with chemicals such as titanium.
• Fireworks fly as high as 100 to 1,500 feet.
• Fireworks have been around for more than 2,000 years and most historians credit China for the first pyrotechnics. Their loud bangs were used at weddings, funerals and birthdays to drive away evil spirits
• Which Italian explorer brought Chinese fireworks back to Italy in the 1300's? Answer: Marco Polo

About Zambelli Fireworks:
Zambelli produces thousands of shows on July 4th from coast to coast, including some of the country's most elaborate displays. Zambelli is one of the oldest and largest American fireworks companies, with a name that is synonymous with quality, creativity and safety. For the first name in fireworks, it's the last name Zambelli!