Happy Independence Day!

Well, it’s not for two more days – but I’m betting that you won’t be reading this on Saturday, July 4th!

This fourth of July marks the USA’s 233rd year of independence from Great Britain.  As you might imagine, there are a variety of government resources surrounding this topic! For instance, if you’d like to learn more about the history of the 4th, you can visit the Library of Congress’ “Today in History: July 4th” site; the National Register of Historic Places’ “Teaching with Historic Places – Independence Day Lesson Plans”; or visit the National Archives’ site to view the founding documents themselves or read why we should really be celebrating our independence today, the 2nd.

In case you’re still looking for ideas as to what to do, check out the list of Alabama’s Fourth of July Celebrations.  Here in Tuscaloosa, the July Jubilee will be held at Sokol Park; Tannehill State Park in McCalla will have a parade and celebration, along with their annual Alabama Art Casting Iron Pour (aka, Sparks at Dark).

If you’ve already made your plans, here are some government resources to help you have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day:

• Fourth of July is Independence Day (USA.gov)
• Independence Day Celebrations and Programs in the National Park Service – 2009 (there is one Alabama event listed)
• Drills for the Grill (USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service)
• Barbecue and Food Safety (USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service)
• Fireworks (Consumer Product Safety Commission; includes a list of states that do/do not allow various types of fireworks, as of June 1, 2009)
• Celebrate Safety – Prevent Fireworks-Related Injuries (CDC)
• Focus on Fire Safety: Fireworks (U.S. Fire Administration)
• Troopers Work to Ensure a Safe Fourth of July (AL Department of Public Safety)