July 4th Celebrations

July 4- Where will you be?

If you haven’t made plans yet, it’s time to start now.

With lower fuel prices, budget air fares and throwaway hotel deals, this is one of the best years to pack your bags and go visiting the places you have always wanted to see. And while you’re there, you might as well join in the country’s biggest party.

Check out some of the top Independence Day celebration venues in the country and make your pick. 

Boston

Considered one of the most popular July Fourth destinations,

and with good reason. It hosts several festivals including the The Boston Harborfest. This is a week long festival with over 200 events that begin in late June. Among other things, this festival includes a grand display of fireworks, free concerts, kids’ events, cruises, city tours and the famous Boston Chowderfest. Don’t miss the free Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks Display on July 4th.

Chicago

If going to ballgames and superb, free concerts or enjoying the most beautiful fireworks displays over Lake Michigan while you take a dinner cruise sound like your kind of party, then you must plan to be in Chicago this 4th. The city hosts three nights of fireworks displays with Lake Michigan as backdrop, and that is one sight that no photograph could do justice to. You have to be there to experience it. The Navy Pier Beer Garden is a great spot to be in, if you want to enjoy the fireworks and some fantastic, free concerts afterwards.

New York City

You’ll have a tough time picking out which spot you want to be in to enjoy the Independence Day celebrations in the Big Apple . If you’re one of the early birds, you might be able to grab tickets for a mind-blowing view from the Empire State Building. Or, maybe you’ve always wanted to see the Macy’s Parade and fireworks and this is the year you’ll make it happen. Long Island City and Roosevelt Island are also popular for their views, entertainment and food courts.

Washington D.C.

If you’ve decided to join in the celebrations in the nation’s capital, you couldn’t have picked a better place. Here, you can witness events all day, while enjoying the view of the country’s greatest monuments. The 4th celebrations kick off with a parade along Constitution Avenue. You can then enjoy the Smithsonian Folklife Festival that will include music, dance, performances, story telling, crafts and discussions, throughout the day. The White House Visitor Center will also host games, crafts and other activities on this occasion. You can enjoy the concert rendered by The United States Air Force Band in the evening on the Washington Monument grounds. As night falls, the National Symphony Orchestra and other artists will perform on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. This is followed by a grand display of fireworks over the Washington Monument that marks the end of the festivities.

Of course, there are several other great ‘must-see’ places in the U.S – from Miami to San Diego, LA to Niagara falls, you could pick just about any place to celebrate this Independence Day.

No matter where you are, spend a couple of minutes to send your friends and family free July 4th Ecards before you head out to watch the parade.

Father’s Day is June 21st are you ready?

Father’s Day is June 21st. Kick off summer with Dad’s big day.

Dad. Superhero. Best Pal. No matter what he means to you, now is the time to let him know. (Even if he pretends not to care about all that stuff!) . Here is a quick summary of our posts.

Tucked in between Memorial Day weekend and July 4th is a holiday that many dads don’t take seriously. (At least, I know of one who simply laughs it off as a completely unnecessary fuss.)

But just because dad doesn’t make much of it doesn’t mean we should make Father’s Day any less special than it ought to be. Besides, this year, it’s the first day of summer. So you have all the more reason to celebrate.

Dads are a different breed. They’re cool alright. But they’re also funny and loud and huggable and hard to read at times.

So, what’s it going to be? Golf clubs or gadgets?
Tickets to a game or a TV? BBQ or beach?

* No worries! If you still haven’t figured out a gift for Dad, feel free to borrow some tips and ideas from our blog here.

* And regardless of where you are and what you plan to do, send a chuckle or two his way with our free Father’s Day ecards. From fishing to football to rock star dad, you’ll find an ecard to warm dad’s heart. Or maybe tickle him pink.

* He doesn’t check his email that often? No problem! Our Printable Frathers Day Cards section is your answer. Pick a card, add an image of your own or choose one of ours, type in your text, or choose a message and hit Print. Just make sure it reaches his hands on time!

There. So, now you have a gift idea. A free Father’s Day ecard. And a printed greeting card, just in case.

Right. Now go whip up that hearty Father’s Day breakfast and have a fabulous time with dad.

Happy Father’s Day!

Why get Printable Father’s Day Cards?

My dad’s hilarious.  Any gift I get him, for any holiday, he absolutely loves.  From the World War II History 12 DVD set I saved money for months to buy for him, to a five dollar hammer I got down at the pawn shop, he just likes any gift I get him.  Most dads are like that, though.  And it’s not because our fathers don’t have taste.  It has more to do with how much our dads like to know we’re thinking about them.

That’s the biggest reason to think about getting Dad free printable cards this year for Father’s Day.  All the free ecards at Got Free Ecards are creative and fun, and printable cards allow you to go that extra step, in personalizing your gift.  With our printable cards, not only do you have several different fun templates to choose from, but you can also personalize each card with your individual greetings, photos and messages.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on Dad to let him know you care about him.  In fact, most fathers would probably rather you didn’t spend much money.  So save a little money this Father’s Day, while getting Dad a personalized gift at the same time, and check out the free printable Father’s Day cards at Got Free Ecards!

Father’s Day? Bah!

-Rupa

Every time I think about going shopping for Father’s Day, I can almost hear my dad’s voice, saying, “Why on earth do you need to spend so much to say something I already know?”

Father’s Day? What’s that?

The part of the world where I come from, Mother’s day and Father’s day aren’t really a big deal and everyone goes about their lives on the premise that parents love children and children care about parents, no matter what the date or month.

Marketable Moments

But after moving to the USA, I started noticing how much was made out of these occasions. From talk shows to commercials, magazines to malls, you could tell what month or date it was merely by glancing at the displays or topics being discussed.

I kind of liked it. I began to see things in a new light. These occasions give people the chance to express their appreciation and love. It made sense to me because I had moved so far away and it gave me a chance to do something special for my parents, who, I knew, missed me terribly.

And so it was that I started sending my parents flowers, greeting cards, restaurant reservations, tickets to shows and other such gifts.

And they appreciated my efforts. They really did. But they just didn’t get it.

“No more Father’s Day gifts, Please!”

My dad would say over the phone, “Why did you spend all that money on a watch? Haven’t I taught you anything? Learn to save, young lady, save!” My attempts to explain that I really wanted them to have the gifts and that it made me happy to send them stuff, were lost in the echoes of his booming voice.

My mom would express how lovely the gifts were, but would also tell me not to spend so much on her. “If you’re happy, that’s the greatest gift we can ask for,” She would say.

“But, Ma” I would protest, “I want to do this. It’s no big deal really. It’s Mother’s day after all.”  But my arguments were completely lost on them.

To my parents, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are simply superfluous. They don’t need them to know how much their children love them. All they want is for their kids to be happy and to stay in touch.

After years of trying to convince them, I finally decided to give in. I thought to myself, “Well, whatever makes them happy.” It seems as if they would be happier if I didn’t spend as much. So, I decided to cut back on gifts this year and send them free ecards instead.

My mom loved the free Mother’s Day ecard I sent her. And guess what my dad will find in his inbox on Father’s Day!?

While I will be spending just a few minutes browsing and selecting a free Father’s Day ecard, my dad will probably be thrilled to learn that his daughter has finally learnt to save. And what better gift can there be?

Now, that’s what I call a win-win!

Fun Father’s Day Activities for the Family

by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway

If you are looking for a few fun and inexpensive ways to spend Father’s Day this year, you’re in luck!  You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to have fun with dad.

Go Fishing – If dad is an avid fisherman, why not surprise him and offer to take him fishing for the day?  Get all his gear ready to go, pack up a nice lunch, bring along the sunscreen and go fishing for the day.  Even if fishing isn’t your cup of tea, dad will appreciate the gesture.

Camping – Why not load up the family and go on a little overnight adventure?  If you don’t own an RV or camper, ask a neighbor or friend to borrow a tent and a few sleeping bags.   Just make sure you know how to put the tent up or it could be a very long night!   Bring along the cooler, ice packs, some dogs and fixin’s and his favorite beverage.  Oh, and don’t forget the smores!   Make sure you bring your cell phone, matches, flashlight and bug spray along too.  This will be a Father’s Day dad will never forget!

Game Night – When was the last time you played Twister?  If your family hasn’t played a board game in ages, now is the perfect time.  Whether you play a good game of Scrabble, Pictionary, Monopoly or Candy Land, board games are fun for the entire family.  And if you don’t happen to have any board games handy, no worries.  Just stop by your local thrift shop.  You can always pickup all sorts of games at yard sales for next to nothing too.  Once you have the games, whip up some simple appetizers and you are good to go.  Just make sure to have plenty of dads’ favorite drink on hand too.

Pack a Picnic – No matter what the weather is, Father’s Day is the perfect time for a family picnic. Even if it is pouring rain, you can still have the picnic.  Just set it up in the living room or family room if the weather is dreary or cold.  And if you don’t happen to own a picnic basket, area yard sales or thrift shops will have them.  Pack the basket with some sandwiches, potato salad, chips and dessert.  Throw in the plates, utensils, drinks, ice packs and blanket or table cloth and you are good to go.  Don’t forget bug spray, hand sanitizer and sunscreen.

No matter what you decide to do for dad, just make sure to send him free Father’s Day ecards.

Happy Father’s Day!

Fun Father’s Day Facts and Trivia

Just for Fun Father’s Day Facts and Trivia 

Father’s Day is right around the corner.   In honor of this very special day, why not take a stroll down memory lane and take a peek at the interesting facts about the origins and history of Father’s Day.  There are also some fun factoids as well.   

  • 2009 marks the 100 anniversary of the origins of Father’s Day.
  • Sonora Louis Smart Dodd is the founder of Father’s Day.  In 1909, she wanted to honor and do something very special for her father, William Smart.  Mr. Smart, a widower and Civil War veteran, was left to raise a newborn and five other children after Sonora’s mother died during childbirth. 
  • The first Father’s Day was celebrated in Washington, in June, 1910.
  • Father’s Day was celebrated on different dates until 1966 when President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed Father’s Day to be held on the third Sunday in June.
  • In 1972, President Richard Nixon made it permanent – the national observance of Father’s Day would be held annually, on the third Sunday in June.
  • Today, there are over 64 million fathers in the United States.
  • As of 2006, there are over 14,000 hardware stores and over 23,000 sporting good stores in the USA.
  • Almost 95 million Father’s Day cards were given to dads last year.
  • Believe it or not, ties are still a popular gift for Father’s Day.

 Happy Father’s Day! 

Pricey Mother’s Day Vs Budget-friendly Father’s Day

 

In the United States, Mother’s day ranks very high on the list of high budget occasions, lagging not too far behind Christmas and a couple of other holidays. Father’s Day on the other hand, doesn’t even come close most years. Why is it that we don’t spend as much on Dad as we do on Mom?

A few guesses –

a) Everybody knows – Mom appreciate gifts, flowers, cards and the whole Mother’s Day shindig a lot, while Dad couldn’t care less.

b) Mother’s day comes first. So we blow our budget in May and don’t have enough green saved up to splurge on Dad in June.

c) We just have more options when it comes to Mom. There isn’t much that Dad wants anyway.

d) Who are we kidding – Mom is way more special? (Ok, I admit. I am one. But that’s not why I added this option! Honest.)

 What do you think? a), b), c), d) or other? Share your thoughts. Let’s get this settled. Add your comments below.

 And while you’re thinking, don’t forget – no matter how much you spend, some of the best things are still free – like our selection of Free Father’s Day ecards. 

July 4th – Traditions and Celebrations

July 4th Ecards

July 4th Ecards

Just a few more weeks to go for July 4th! Have you decided how you’re going to celebrate this year? What will you be doing differently this time around? Are you thinking of cutting back on or expanding your celebrations? Share your thoughts! 
 

·         Fireworks constitute the grand finale to July 4th celebrations. But do you know that unlike many of the other traditions, this is not a recent addition? Fireworks have been a part of July the 4th celebrations since 1777, the first anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.  

The ringing of bells, firing of 13 guns and a grand display of fireworks marked that momentous occasion.

·         Will you be having a fireworks display in your own backyard? Even then, the experience of a public fireworks display at a local park or a famous one such as the Macy’s fireworks display, which is known to be the largest and grandest, or the celebrations in The National Mall, Washington, DC is definitely worth your while. If you’ve always wanted to experience one of those, this year may be a good time to find the best travel and hotel deals.

·         Patriotic music and songs often accompany fireworks displays. Here’s a list of patriotic songs you could brush up on, in time for July 4th. How about learning some of them with your kids and making this July 4th a true family celebration?

·         Speaking of patriotism, will you be proudly displaying the American flag outside your home, in your yard or on your vehicle? Then here are some pointers you should bear in mind regarding flag do’s and don’t’s. 

Over time, the warm weather and other factors, such as schools closing for the summer led to the adoption of various other July 4th traditions -picnics, block parties, baseball games and barbecues being some of them. One aspect clearly stands out in all of this. 

July 4th is more of a gathering with friends and family than a private celebration. It is one occasion that gives people the chance to come together and celebrate with their neighbors, friends and families.  

So, write in and tell us – which is your favorite 4th tradition? Have you created a July 4th family tradition? 

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Gearing up for July 4th!

Memorial Day Weekend is here but it’s never too early to start planning your July 4th celebrations, is it?!

From baseball games to barbecues, block parties to parades, fireworks to picnics – do you ever wonder how on earth we came up with these countless ways to celebrate the Fourth?
And why not?!

Isn’t it just the best time of the year to celebrate? With allergy season behind you and winter months far from your thoughts, July 4th is the perfect date, falling smack in the middle of the calendar year.
Who can resist the beautiful outdoors with clear summer skies and warm, lazy, long afternoons that stretch well into the evening?!

If you think about it, July 4th is a celebration of not just the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, but of all things American.

Families plan the entire July 4th weekend, at times, the whole week around their favorite Fourth tradition. It is one of the busiest times of the year to travel, be it by road or air. Airline tickets for this weekend get booked months ahead. Tourists throng amusement parks, beaches and other attractions. This is the ideal family vacation time for most people because it coincides with the kids’ summer vacation and the weather is great in almost every part of the country, with a very few exceptions.

If there’s one holiday in the year that everyone in the family loves and looks forward to the most, I’m guessing it would be July 4th in most cases. And well, who wouldn’t like a low stress, high fun holiday anyway?

In coming posts, we’ll explore some of the favorite July 4th traditions, myths surrounding the 4th of July celebrations and other interesting aspects of this great American holiday. If you have a favorite Fourth tradition in your family or a funny or interesting memory of a particular July 4th, do write in and share it with us.