The Fourth of July has long been one of my favorite holidays. Not only do we get to celebrate the independence of our country, but we get to do it with fireworks and picnic food — which happen to be some of my favorite things!

Plus, unlike other holidays, there’s no pressure with the 4th. It’s generally a laid back, easy day to enjoy with family and friends. Also, fireworks!

In case you haven’t picked up on it yet, I kinda love fireworks. While everyone else is getting irritated that their neighbors spend the whole month of July setting them off, I’m usually just disappointed that I can’t see them.

Now, before you come at me. I totally understand people’s problem with fireworks. They scare pets, can be a problem for those suffering from PTSD, not to mention with the new laws, there is extra danger of the now-legal aerial fireworks catching something on fire. I hope that everyone is being safe and respectful with their fireworks, they just happen to be a love of mine.

Once the celebrations are over and you head back to work, it’s only a hop and a skip to the weekend. Downtown Williamsport will be celebrating First Friday and if you haven’t gotten out to one yet this summer, I highly recommend heading down. First Friday always has a ton to offer, but in my opinion, June and July are always the best.

As usual there is a ton of stuff going on this weekend. Now that the weather is warm, but we haven’t quite hit the dog days, now is the perfect time to get out of the house and enjoy all that the area has to offer.

There are bands playing everywhere all weekend long. Including (but not limited to):

July 6th:
– The Cadillac Cats – The Old Corner at 8 p.m.
– Goose – The Bullfrog at 8 p.m.
– Rocky Allen – The Crippled Bear at 8 p.m.
– Qwister – The James at 9 p.m.
– Miz Ida and the All Nightas – The Bar on Market at 10 p.m.

July 7th:
– Mystery Trayne – The James at 8 p.m.

July 8th:
– Tyler Spooner and TrésCo – Bastress Mountain Winery from 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

I’m sure that this is just a small offering of what’s happening in the area; this is just what I came across in a quick Facebook search. But music is good for the soul, so go out and find some.

There is also usually music in Pine Square downtown on Saturday nights and you can often find a band playing on the Hiawatha too. We are blessed to live in an area where you are never far from someone playing music and we should all take advantage of that!

So enjoy your Fourth of July and the weekend too! Be safe out there!