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GREENSBORO — It can be fun and weird to share a birthday with a celebrity or well-known figure in history. Imagine sharing a birthday with President Barack Obama or Madonna . But what about sharing a birthday with the United States of America?

Jonathan Buechner likes it.

“It’s pretty cool. Everybody celebrates it, and there’s always fireworks,” Jonathan said.

Jonathan was downtown with his brother and parents to celebrate his 13th  birthday and the nation’s 233rd. They were among the masses who filled the city streets for the Fun Fourth Festival.

The event kicked off Friday  night, but families packed the streets all day Saturday. 

It was a day of firsts for some, including Tyrone Spruiell. Tyrone, 9,  made it nearly to the top of a climbing wall set up with other activities for children. The long climb took Tyrone to new heights. He estimated 12 feet, but his eyes grew wide with surprise when he heard it was more like 30.

Tyrone’s aunt, Veronica Green, a Greensboro native now working in northern Virginia, brought her nieces and nephews downtown with her daughter. Green has been away for a few years and was thrilled to see so much activity downtown.

“When I was young we didn’t have this, so this is much nicer. They’re having a ball,” she said.

Tyrone also got his first taste of funnel cake from one of the dozens of vendors along the streets. Lindsey Peters was among the vendors and among many Americans who’ve found themselves forced to celebrate a different kind of Independence Day.

Peters was laid off from her job in Charlotte in March. She decided to take matters into her own hands, starting a baby apparel and accessories company. Bibs with bunnies and baskets full of newborn goodies covered her tables.

“This is handmade by American hands,” she said.

But under all the music and food, Matthew Minisi hopes Americans don’t forget what is being celebrated. He was one of several Revolutionary War re-enactors staged at Richardson Park. Minisi, a third-generation American, is fascinated with the battles and sacrifices made by those who stood up against the British to build a nation of their own.

Not everyone is aware of that history, he said.

“You’d be amazed how many people don’t know their own history,” Minisi said. “(Independence Day) has become a day of partying and fun, and that’s fine, but really it’s about standing up for freedom against an oppressor and standing up for yourself.”

Contact J. Brian Ewing at 373-7351 or brian.ewing@news-record.com