Ways to Celebrate and Connect this 4th of July

The 4th of July, otherwise known as Independence Day, is a day filled with celebrations. From backyard BBQs and parades to national firework displays, the 4th is a perfect time to gather with loved ones to celebrate. Read more about fun ways you can celebrate and connect.

Plan a 4th of July Party

Summer is the perfect time to plan a get-together and with the weather heating up, a 4th of July party is a great way to connect with your friends and family. To prepare, plan a cohesive color scheme and gather patriotic-themed décor like American flags, bandanas, pinwheels, and star-spangled accents to decorate your hosting area.

You can’t have a 4th of July party without food. The holiday is known for celebrating with classics like burgers, hot dogs, and grilled veggies, so plan your menu and be sure to incorporate vegetarian and vegan options for guests with dietary restrictions. If you plan to fire up the grill to make your favorite barbeque dishes, remember to follow grill safety best practices such as keeping children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area, never leaving your grill unattended and ensuring your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

After you’ve prepped for your star-spangled extravaganza, don’t forget to prep your home and invite your guests. If hosting outdoors, you’ll want to have sufficient seating, shaded areas, and fans, as needed, to ensure your guests are comfortable and have an established area to gather and enjoy the party.

Be sure to stock up on string lights, lanterns, and other outdoor lighting to set the mood once the sun sets. Adding Ring Pathlights and Steplights to illuminate your walkways and stairs helps keep your party-goers safe, as the party runs from day time to night.

Spend Time with Friends and Family

You might spend some time at the party chatting and catching up with family and friends you haven’t seen in a while, but be sure to pick out games to play with your guests. Keep guests entertained by setting up lawn games like cornhole, ladder ball, or croquet for everyone to enjoy together. And don’t forget about the kiddos - keep them entertained with crafts for DIY projects, fun and simple treats they can make for everyone, or water balloon fights to keep them cool in the summer heat.

For family members who are out of town, don't forget to add them as Shared Users on the Ring App, so they can still be part of the festivities. By hosting your guests virtually, they can join in on the fun by using Live View from your Ring and use Two-Way Talk to chime in during game time.

Attend an Event

If you’re not in a party-planning mood, but still want to celebrate Independence Day, check out a local event in your neighborhood. If you’re struggling to find out what’s happening near you, look into your local tourism board website, official city or local parks & recreation department social media accounts to find an event to attend.

You can also check out the Neighbors App by Ring for additional information about firework shows, parades or block parties happening in your community. The Neighbors App will keep you connected to all the local events, so you can find the best and most festive way to participate in the holiday’s activities. Once you’ve identified an event you want to attend, make sure you prepare. You might need to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks so you are comfortable.

Keep Pets Safe

While the 4th of July is often a festive time for humans to celebrate, it also marks one of the busiest times of the year for animal shelters. Many pets often go missing due to being frightened by the sound of fireworks. So, while you’ll want to enjoy the holiday, it’s important to take precautions to keep your pet safe.

Keep your pets indoors in a quiet, sheltered area of your home during fireworks displays.

You can also try calming aids like anxiety vests or pheromone diffusers to help soothe your pet's nerves.

Invest in a Pet Tag so the easy-to-scan QR code will display information to help someone care for the pet until you are reunited.

Make sure your furry friend’s Pet Profile on the Neighbors App is up to date so all you’ll have to do is switch to “Lost Pet Mode” in the event they go missing.

Whether it's through backyard barbecues, fireworks displays, or simply spending quality time with loved ones, the 4th of July is a cherished holiday that brings communities together. Stay connected and stay safe this 4th of July holiday.

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