For many, July Fourth translates to backyard barbecues, pool parties, fireworks, and mounds of potato salad and watermelon. Though these activities most certainly are all-American, so is joining together with neighbors to celebrate the independence of America. Annapolis has several events designed to bring together families, friends, and neighbors. Peruse what’s scheduled below and plan on an explosive Fourth.

Perhaps the most notable and famous thing to do on July Fourth is watch fireworks light up the night sky. Downtown Annapolis continues this tradition with a parade and fireworks show on the Fourth, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The parade kicks off the night’s activities, and attendees can follow the parade from Amos Garrett Boulevard to West Street, Church Circle, and finally, to Main Street. There will be music, marching, and plenty of aesthetic appeal in true red, white, and blue fashion. Watch the parade from any of these streets for free. Following the parade is the event we all wait for: the fireworks. This year’s fireworks go off around 9:15 p.m. from the Annapolis Harbor. As you can imagine, City Dock and the entirety of downtown Annapolis will be packed, so either get there early or watch from a location other than the heart of downtown (for more ideas, see the parking section below). Like the parade, the fireworks are free and open to all.

This next event is similar to the above one, however, it includes the Annapolis tradition of sailing. Watermark Cruises hosts their beloved and popular “Independence Day Fireworks Cruise” from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. this Thursday. The tickets sell out quickly for this three-hour cruise around the Annapolis Harbor and Severn River while the fireworks go off. Light foods and drinks will be available on the cruise. Both children and adults are welcome on this cruise. Child tickets cost $28 a piece and adult tickets cost $48 per person. Bring a camera to take pictures and cash for drinks. Head to http://cruisesonthebay.com to take advantage of this gorgeous sunset cruise.

Schooner Woodwind, another cruising venue in Annapolis, hosts three cruises the day of the Fourth. Though the night-time cruise to watch the fireworks is sold out, sailing during the daytime with Schooner Woodwind is available and quite enjoyable. Bring friends and family aboard one of the vessels for a cruise at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., or 4 p.m. Each cruise lasts two hours and travels along local waters from the Annapolis Marriott Waterfront Hotel. The price for adults is $42 and $27 for children. Book this cruise before it sells out too! Head to www.schoonerwoodwind.com to do so.FireworksoverHarbour

July Fourth is engineered for the enjoyment of all ages, but The Chesapeake Children’s Museum hosts an event especially designated for children’s enjoyment on the Fourth. The museum, located at 25 Silopanna Road, celebrates Independence Day with festive arts and crafts and other kid-friendly activities. Along with the activities, the CCM invites you to bring picnic lunches for a cookout on the premises. Aside from paying museum admission, this event is free. Start time is 10 a.m.; end time is 5 p.m. Visit www.theccm.org to read more.

The William Paca House puts on an Independence Day event that celebrates the people of America. From 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., join the Paca staff and other locals for the welcoming of new American citizens–forty new citizens, in fact. This ceremony has become a tradition on July Fourth, so why not join in this year? After the ceremony, the Paca House opens up its garden doors to the public for free tours of its lush, colonial-style land. Take your own tour or join in a guided tour. The garden is open to peruse from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Look to www.annapolis.org to learn more about this event.

Coupled with the influx of people due to Fourth activities and the fact that parking downtown is already challenging, it is safe to say finding a spot downtown on July 4th will be next to impossible. Hence, you are left with two options: get there very early or park elsewhere. Garages will most likely be full, but you can take advantage of eCruisers and the Circulator. These two services pick up from outside downtown and transport you there. If possible, you could also walk or bike into downtown. To learn more about shuttle options, head to http://www.ecruisersllc.com/ or http://www.annapolis.gov/government/city-departments/transportation/circulator

Regardless of what you decide to do, take time to acknowledge our country’s history and be thankful for independence. Happy Fourth!