4th of July Celebrations

Growing up we always looked forward to the 4th of July festivities in Irondequoit NY. We would get up early to pick up bagels at the local shop and park the car at my great aunt Meremers to walk to the parade site. We would arrive early so that we could plant our lawn chairs in the same spot every year. Both my grandmothers and great aunt and us would be there. We would watch a humbling parade pass by and collect the candy and prizes that were thown at us along the way. After the parade would pass we made our way to the town hall to pick up some hamburgers or hot dogs for lunch. Return home to nap and prepare for dinner and fireworks. Right before dinner we would take the city bus shuttle back up to the town hall for some dinner. Then we would find a good fireworks watching spot on the green and set up camp. We would take turns walking the crafts set up on the lawn until nightfall. Then it was time for fried dough and to settle in for the light displays. Ooooh, Aaaah! Then we made the mass exit to the shuttles back to our cars. Doesn't sound that exciting but it was tradition for us and I miss it. Maybe not that specifically but the tradition. The 4th is this weekend and I am searching for what to do. I am extremely eager to establish a tradition for my little family.