Budget Fourth of July Activities |
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Fourth of July is the ultimate holiday weekend. Summer time, parades, fireworks. What more could a person ask for? Having fun on Fourth of July is an American tradition! The Fourth of July weekend can quickly get expensive... especially if you are hosting a BBQ. All the food and beer can add up quickly.
Fourth of July weekend does not have to be expensive. There are ways to cut costs. It usually just takes a little bit of imagination and some self discipline, but that's nothing new when you are trying to save money. Here are a few ideas on how to make sure you and your family have fun on Fourth of July and do it all on a budget:
Join the Rest of the Nation
Rather than hosting some big backyard barbecue, find out what city or state events will be in your area. From the tiny country town to the large metropolis areas, most places have Fourth of July events planned for everyone to enjoy. Some of my fondest Fourth of July memories come from picnicking on the Boston Esplande. However, you may find that fairs, fireworks, parades in your community are free. Find what local events will be happening and plan on enjoying your Fourth of July with everyone else.
Have a Block Party
If you live in a friendly neighborhood, consider having a block party. Even if you live in a tiny town on a small street, everyone can still get together making for a fun time. Everyone can pitch in on the cost of food and beverages. Or perhaps they each bring a dish for everyone to enjoy. Games can be planned for both the young and the old to enjoy that won't cost any money. While sack races never get old, I prefer to take on someone in badminton. If you must have fireworks for your Fourth of July weekend, have everybody chip in and buy them together. Just make sure that it is legal in your area and you are safe with them. With everyone pitching their pennies together, you can get a pretty good amount of fireworks to set off that everyone can enjoy.
Head to the Water
Everyone loves the water, right? Beaches, lakes, rivers... it doesn't matter. I think that's one of the keys to the why the Boston fireworks work so well. If there is a body of water near by, chances are people are going to be flocking towards it on a holiday weekend. Most places will have a great deal of activity planned, including those necessary Fourth of July fireworks. You can spend the day, or camp out and spend the whole weekend. Not only will it save you a lot of money, but it's sure to be a fun time that the whole family can enjoy. It may even become a family tradition.
Photo Credit: Creativity+ Timothy K Hamilton
This post deals with:backyard barbecue, block party, budget, cost of food, esplande, fireworks, fourth of july, holiday weekend, picnicking, sack races
... and focuses on:Frugal
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Next: Alternative Income Streams – July 2008
I will be at a music festival. It could be cheap, but more than likely I will have something to eat and a few drinks. But, it still shouldn’t be too expensive.
Another way to cut cost during the 4th of July is to view fireworks online. Here is an example, http://www.ovationmarketing.com/email/2008/july4/. This e-greeting allows for viewers to watch a beautiful fireworks display over the bluffs in La Crosse, WI and has the capabilites for the user to create their own show.
It is also a safe and eco-friendly way to enjoy the holiday.