American’s “Christmas” in July | Local 4th of July Ideas

So this blog post is going to be pretty short – but definitely a sweet one! The 4^th of July is by far my favorite holiday… EVER!! Seriously nothing makes me happier than fireworks, BBQ, drinks, hot weather, picnics, and friends and family gathering. I have spent the 4^th at the beach, mountains, cities, country-side, and even in other countries! I grew up in a Philadelphia suburb so the celebrations were very large when I was growing up – especially since fireworks are illegal any other time of the year! I have had some people suggest to me that the 4^th of July celebrations in the North is larger than Christmas – this couldn’t make me more proud by the way – and it is so true! Everyone gets together for some kind of big event.

For my family we usually hosted a large party with our neighbors. During our annual travel to South Carolina to visit family, my Dad would stop at South of the Border to pick up fireworks for the celebration. My mother made her annual dessert, a sorbet dessert that looked like a watermelon. Neighbors partook in a pot-luck, games, and lots of fellowship! Some of my favorite childhood memories are from this holiday! Listed below you will find some great links on some of our local 4^th of July celebrations.

Tally Suggestions – So this year I am new to Tallahassee so I had to ask for suggestions and get information from the locals in order to figure out my 4^th of July festivities! Luckily since we live in a state capital and near the water there is really no shortage of firework view options. There are also several community events and even a race to attend! I so look forward to celebrating the 4^th in our new home this year.

Best List of Attractions: http://fun4tallykids.com/Whats-Happening/July-4th-Events/

Best Event : http://www.talgov.com/parks/july4.aspx

Laws on Fireworks : https://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/Portals/0/PolicyPdf/02-02-3.pdf

Upstate Suggestions – Now the upstate is a little bit different than what I grew up doing for the 4^th of July. First of all it is a mostly rural community so the big events are far apart and you may not be able to find many events locally. Luckily fireworks are legal all year so it is easy to stock up, grab some friends, and head to the lake for an epic bash! There are some great events in the upstate though – even the local events are pretty well done and often include parades. I will definitely miss celebrating the 4^th with our family this year.

Best List of Attractions: https://kiddingaroundgreenville.com/fireworks-july-4th.html

Best Event: http://www.visitgreenvillesc.com/includes/calendar-of-events/Wells-Fargo-Red-White-and-Blue-Festival/27812/

Laws on Fireworks: http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c035.php

See, I told y’all this one would be short! I really just wanted to hone in on some of my hopeful and favorite events that we could celebrate with this year. But honestly celebrating the 4^th really takes minimal effort… put out those red, white, and blues, fire up the grill, grab loved ones, beer, music and you got yourself a fantastic celebration! And if your one of the lucky ones you will be surrounded by fireworks and the show of a lifetime! Happy 4^th of July!!

Lauren Cop is a SAHM (Stay At Home Mom) of Irish Twins and Senior writer/editor of the Olive Shoe Blog. Currently Lauren and her family live in Tallahassee, FL where she helps teach at a local pre-school. A Clemson fanatic, alumni and general sports enthusiast. She loves reading, gardening, food, and traveling. Follow her Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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Lauren {LAC} James is a Sr. Designer of Product Graphics for an international manufacturing company by day and a creativity crusader, designer, planner extraordinaire, artist and blogger in her “free” time. Follow her and The Olive Shoe on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram! Pleasesubscribe to receive emails, of course, come back and visit again soon!

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• Other Posts by Lauren Cop:
  • You Know How Children Are Made, Right? Irish Twins | The Beginning
  • Wedding Wednesday | A Look Back At The Perfect Fall Wedding
  • Hosting A Garden Party and Plant Exchange 
  • Mother’s Take A Day | Embrace The Village
  • Fantastic Father’s Day
  • Creating Your Secret Garden Part 3 | Keeping the Kin-dears in the Garden