The 4th of July is a great time to get out on the water and make the most of your summer. Having friends and family over to celebrate our nation’s founding is a great way to make summer memories. Here are some tips from the boat and dock experts at ShoreMaster to get started with your holiday plans. Put your stars and stripes on display and check out these five tips for having a Happy 4th of July.
Enjoy Nature
The Great Lakes region is lucky for a lot of reasons, and one of them is our abundance of shorelines. There are a variety of waterfront destinations, and a lot of them let you get away from the noise, exhaust, and crowds you’ll find in bigger cities during the holidays. Add in some of the best weather you’ll get all year, and it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy the day. If you can, spend the day in nature, whether that means paddle-boarding, swimming, or fishing together.
Have a Picnic
Summertime is a great time for food, and hosting a party means cooking for a lot of people. Fire up the grill and put on hot dogs, burgers, and corn on the cob to enjoy while you sit on your dock. Don’t forget the cooler for potato salad, coleslaw, condiments, seasonal fruit and vegetables, drinks (with some kid-friendly options), and desserts. Put together outdoor activities like kite-flying, water balloon fights, or basketball for kids and grown-ups alike to have a good time while the sun’s up, and once the sun goes down, toast marshmallows over a fire and make s’mores to enjoy with your fireworks.
Watch the Fireworks
The fireworks are the main attraction and the reason for planning your party. Whether you go to an official fireworks show held by your city or town or light your own, sit back, look up at the sky, and enjoy the show. If you’re putting on your own display, make sure that you follow your local laws and safety instructions, and never let children use fireworks or sparklers unsupervised. Keep water or a fire extinguisher (or both!) near your celebration so that you’re prepared for fire.
Host a Late-Night Party
The fireworks aren’t going to start until the sun sets, but the party doesn’t have to end when the fireworks are done. Sitting on the water or on your dock talking and making memories together is a great way to finish out a 4th of July celebration. Once the kids are in bed, you can also responsibly break out the adult drinks. If you’re spending time on your dock, make sure that it’s well-lit so that the party can go on late into the night and everyone is safe walking in the dark.
Stay Safe On and Off the Water
The best way to celebrate any holiday on the water is to make sure that everyone is safe. Be wary of boating and drinking, especially during a long, sunny day, and designate a driver to avoid accidents and fines. Make sure that everyone you’re celebrating with has sunscreen, life jackets, and all the other safety gear they’ll need to have a good time. Check out your area’s laws and regulations regarding fireworks and safety zones, and review all dock and boat safety procedures with your crew.
With the right preparations and the right ShoreMaster accessories, you can throw the ultimate 4th of July celebration!
For More Information
ShoreMaster, LLC
1025 International Drive
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
800.328.8945
www.shoremaster.com
