Independence Day Activities 2008

A lot of people are probably wondering how to use the upcoming 3 day holiday July 4^th weekend to his or her fullest advantage. It's an election year and I think that particularly this time around, we as Americans are pondering more about what state our country is in and what it truly means to be an American. A few recommendations I will now provide, but don't forget to take some of that valuable time to just relax and enjoy your self.

Fireworks
(July 4^th, your town?, sundown-?)

This is an obvious but popular choice. Everyone wants to spend some quality time on the 4^th watching fireworks, and not necessarily on TV. Getting out and enjoying the night air, watching fireworks live and in person for some reason allows people to feel they've celebrated our independence properly. As Americans, maybe we just like pretty explosions. As an example of this type of event, I live in the area of a small rural town called Keystone Heights in Northern Florida. Last year, truckloads of locals headed via unpaved dirt roads to a damp open field to view the fireworks, which were alright. If you're like me and you don't mix well with the locals in your area, you may want to limit this activity or try and find a dry patch away from any disagreeable behavior. Many fireworks sites, like the aforementioned local event, even provide entertainment, concession, and amusement. In Keystone Heights, it was a Southern rock band, beer, and a playground area for all the unattended children (please, watch your children if you take them to this kind of event- especially around all the alcohol-consuming strangers). Not exactly my favorite, and I hope you can do better.

Original Americans
(holiday weekend or anytime, your state?, check with tribe for info)