How to Spend the Fourth of July in Wyoming

A Wyoming Fourth of July can include everything from a small-town parade down Main Street to a rodeo to fireworks over a lake from your fishing boat. The Fourth of July is, as one newspaper says, "Wyoming's biggest fishing weekend." But if you're looking for a celebration, Wyoming has a whole bunch of them for you to choose from. Follow these steps to find some great ways to spend a your Fourth in Wyoming.

Things You'll Need

• Fire extinguisher or bucket of water
• Lawn chairs and blankets for viewing fireworks
• Cookout foods
• Fireworks

Instructions

1. Plan for fireworks with safety in mind. In Wyoming, you can buy nearly any kind of fireworks that meet the Consumer Safety Code. Spend some time deciding on which kind of fireworks you want to use, if any.

2. Buy your fireworks several days before the Fourth of July and store them in a safe place.

3. Check local newspapers to find parades and fireworks in your area.

4. Spend the weekend at the Chuckwagon Days rodeo. The annual event always includes a Fourth of July celebration and the Little Buckaroos Rodeo.

5. Attend a concert at Grand Teton, or visit another Wyoming National Park.

6. Celebrate the Fourth of July in Jackson Hole, Wyoming at "Music in the Hole" festival and the annual fireworks display.

7. Attend the annual Fresh Air, Freedom and Fun Independence Day celebration in Evanston, Wyoming and enjoy the kids' River Walk Parade, basketball and other sports, carnival rides, free live music and fireworks.

8. Host your own Fourth of July party complete with barbecue and fireworks.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're planning to see the fireworks anywhere, get there early enough to grab some blanket space. Few venues offer reserved seating or chairs.

• Set up a safe staging area if you're setting off fireworks on your own.

• Assign one person to keep children away from the staging area for fireworks.

• Keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water close by when setting off fireworks.