If you know me, you know that the 4th of July is my most favoritest holiday! It’s a time of low pressure, lots of fun, and, of course, FIREWORKS! But more than that, it’s a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family, to relax, have fun, and blow stuff up — safely, of course!

I’ll be downtown for at least part of the day. If you want to say hi and learn about a really amazing non-profit organization, stop by our table near the center of the activities — look for the Dream Big Boxing Foundation/Up Top Boxing banner!

As mentioned, my favorite part of the Fourth of July is fireworks. I absolutely LOVE fireworks. I don’t know why, but they are my fav. That being said, not everyone shares my love, so remember to respect your neighbors this time of year. Enjoy shooting off a few bottle rockets and sparklers, but there is no need to be setting off M80s in your backyard at 3 a.m.

I can’t speak for every town, borough, and township, but at least within Williamsport city limits, there is a firework ordinance that reads as follows, “Consumer Fireworks shall be approved for use starting the weekend before July 4th and be permitted for use through the following calendar weekend. For purposes of this provision, the weekend starts on Friday and then would conclude the following Sunday. Times for approved Consumer Fireworks shall be 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.” I think this is a fair approach, so please respect this ordinance even if it doesn’t apply to where you live.

This is just a reminder that more pets disappear this time of year than any other, so as the weekend approaches, it’s important to look around your yard for any place your pet can escape, and be sure they have their ID tags and that their microchips are up to date. And honestly, just keep them inside. It may seem fun to take them to the parents’ BBQ until your scared pet takes off in unfamiliar territory. I promise they will be happier at home in their safe place with their favorite toys and treats.

Lastly, please be safe this weekend: no drinking and driving, no drinking and firework-ing. Let’s keep each other safe and our limbs intact. No one wants a trip to the ER, jail, or both. Remember, someone out there doesn’t know these are their last days with all ten fingers! Also, the 4th is on a Thursday, my friends, you probably have to go to work the next day, and you won’t recover like you did in your twenties.

I hope you all have a safe and Happy Fourth of July! And if you are looking for fun things to do this weekend, Lou has all the details on page 6!