Funding a Low Cost Independence Day

My cousins are currently planning a family reunion over Independence Day and looking for some innovative ideas for a low cost celebration.

Holiday celebrations can be expensive, but they don't need to be. If you, like so many people today, are facing a tightening budget for family expenses, take a look at the following recommendations for a low cost Independence Day:

• Community Activities. Most communities have Independence Day celebrations and they are a great way to celebrate the holiday without spending a lot of money. You should look through community websites and newspapers for parades, fireworks and other gatherings as one possibility.
• Some of the country's best community parties happen in Philadelphia and Chicago. If you live near these cities, plan to participate in the festivities at Millennium Park in Chicago or Independence Mall in Philadelphia.
• Potluck BBQ or Picnic. Getting together with friends and neighbors is a great way to spend Independence Day. If you share the cost of a meal, it makes it an economical way to spend the fourth as well. Try to plan ahead and pack a picnic for early evening celebrations right before the fireworks begin. If you live in or near Columbus, Ohio, New York City, Boston, Mt. Rushmore or Lake Tahoe, plan your picnic in time to view the fireworks in these cities, they have some of the best firework displays in the country.
• Barter for Travel. Many people travel over the Independence Day holiday and finding travel bargains is one way to save money. Another way to save money on travel is through barter. If your company can provide marketing or promotional help to a hotel or transportation agency, they might be willing to accept your service in return for a place to stay.

If your travel budget allows, try to work in some ways to make the Independence Day more memorable such as a trip to a National Park. Washington DC is a great location for the 4th of July, there are many low cost attractions, including a visit to the National Mall with its Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial. Other attractions include a 4th of July Parade. Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park provide extraordinary scenery with old-fashioned Independence Day fun.

However you choose to celebration the 4th of July, you can make low cost choices and still have a memorable event with family and friends.