Tag: July 4th Ecards

July 4th Celebration Ideas on a Budget

Just discovered you’re short of your July 4th travel budget? Ouch. But wait. The party’s not over yet.

So maybe you won’t be able to make it to National Mall in DC or to Chicago to witness the fireworks over Lake Michigan. But you can still have a fantastic Fourth right in your backyard, deck, patio or garden. Millions of Americans do.

And here are a few tips to get you started. Add some of your own and who knows, this might be turn out to be the July 4th you and your family will remember for years.

  1. Make July 4th crafts, favors and decorations. Give your kids some red, white and blue chalks or crayons, craft paper, thread and a glue stick and a pair of kids’ scissors. You’ll be amazed at the unique, creative stuff they turn out. Join them in the fun and together, you might end up making some really terrific Independence Day decorations. Display them with pride and a Made in America stamp!
  2. Start or join a neighborhood BBQ. You won’t believe how much you’ll save with this effort. Besides splitting the cost, you will also get to know your neighbors better and make new friends. Your kids will probably have a blast too, while grown-ups get a chance to catch up or relax. You could extend this idea by splitting the cost of fireworks and other decorations that everybody can enjoy as a group.
  3. Don’t miss the fireworks in your city. Even if you’ve seen it a dozen times, there’s still something new about the experience every year. Enjoying the July 4th fireworks from a local park or nearby beach is the most cost-effective way of celebrating the Fourth. You get to go out, meet friends, enjoy the outdoors, relax and watch the sky light up. All at no cost.
  4. Buy smart. Dollar and Discount stores offer plenty of choices when it comes to party decorations, crafts, favors, flags and other Independence Day buys. If you plan ahead, you can get almost all of them at a bargain. Don’t throw them away when the party’s over. Most of them can be salvaged, recycled or reused. Another smart thing to do may be to do your next year’s July 4th shopping on July 5th or 6th. Look around and if you spot a bargain, snatch it, save it and don’t forget you bought it, when the next Fourth comes along.
  5. Send free July 4th ecards and Printable Cards. With these, you don’t even have to leave home to wish someone a fantastic Fourth! You could even use some of the cards in our Printable Cards section as wall posters or inspiration for your crafts.

Do you have a July 4th celebration idea that saves you money? Share it with us!

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.