"You see the enthusiasm of people getting ready for the 4th of July and like I always say, we sell a product but what we really sell is a product that brings people together," said Anders Nelson, who owns Fireworks Nation. "As Americans, it's almost in our DNA." On July 4, 1776, Congress approved the Declaration of Independence.

With nearly all of the aerial shells, paper rockets and sparkly fountains that fuel America’s Fourth of July celebrations being imported from China, volunteer groups like Johnson’s and cities big and small have been closely watching the negotiations.

Turn-of-the-century-style festivities are set from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, July 4 at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road. Poway Mayor Steve Vaus will kick off the fun with a speech in the park’s gazebo at 10 a.m.