When I was a child, my parents used to plan a huge picnic with several other families at a huge hilly park with a lake that was close to our house. It would be hot, usually in the 100's, and swimming in the lake was high on the list of fun things to do there. There was also a small zoo that I especially loved to visit. And, if we were really good, we got to go down the hill to the small amusement area of the park. I loved to ride the little train around the amusement area and water. The adults always had a game of horseshoes going and tossed balls around.

Food was the highlight of the entire celebration, especially the homemade ice cream. We would barbeque hotdogs, hamburgers, and steak for some of the adults. Sometimes we got cherry cokes at the amusements stand. Watermelon was a cold sweet treat that hit the spot in the heat. Potatoe salad, fruit salad and chilibeans were always on the menu. We pretty much just pigged out.

Afterwards, we would drive up into the hills and watch the fireworks. What a view and it was free. A perfect end to a perfect day.

Make your own traditions and memories. My family came from the hard working class and we did not have a lot of money....we had love. The things we did were family oriented and did not cost much money. However, I treasure those memories, it was not the what we could buy for a good time, it was the people, the family, the fun. And, it was easy going and not rush rush. Make your 4th a treasured Holiday that represents the freedom we have to be together for fun and family.