Wait, What? National Poll Names This City Best 4th of July Celebration Over Bristol

According to a USA Today readers' poll, Pittsburgh has the nation's best Fourth of July Celebration. Wait, what? Have these folks never heard of Bristol, Rhode Island? Hello?

The Historic Origins of America's Most Patriotic Town

The Bristol 4th of July website says, "The Annual Bristol 4th of July Celebration began in 1785 when Rev. Henry Wight of the First Congregational Church and a veteran of the Revolutionary War conducted the first Patriotic Exercises."

"It's not known exactly when the parade started, but it's thought that it evolved from a procession of community members walking to Patriotic Exercises," according to the site. "The Military, Civic and Firemen's Parade is believed to have begun in the early 1800s."

How the Three-Week Celebration Unfolds Today

"Currently, the Celebration officially starts on Flag Day, celebrated on June 14th, and concludes with the 2.5 mile Military, Civic and Firemen's Parade on July 4th," the site says.

Where Bristol Ranks on the National Stage

Here's what USA Today had to say about the Bristol, Rhode Island, Fourth of July Celebration, which readers selected as the fifth-best in the nation:

"Bristol Fourth of July Celebration is proud to be the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the country," the paper reported. "This Rhode Island classic started in 1785 and is a three-week event beginning on Flag Day (June 14) with free outdoor concerts, the Orange Crate Derby, and a firefighters' muster leading up to a Fourth of July Ball."

"You won't want to miss the Military, Civic and Firemen's Parade, which is viewed by more than 200,000 people," it said. "It's no wonder Bristol is nicknamed 'America's most patriotic town.'"

Who Won Best Fourth of July Celebration?

Readers selected Pittsburgh's Independence Day Celebration as the nation's best, followed by San Diego's Big Bay Boom fireworks show, Philadelphia's WaWa Welcome America, and Celebrate St. Louis.