Independence Day is merely hours away. Folks in from Seattle to Astoria are planning where to watch their favorite fireworks display. Some will take part in parades, while others will rest before the big night of flashes and patriotic sounds.

As we approach the season of Independence Day celebrations, it's important to remember that while most will have the day off to enjoy food, fun, parades, and fireworks, attempting an amateur fireworks show can be extremely dangerous. 

It's best to leave it to the professionals. No one wants to end up at the emergency room because of a dumb mistake. 

Photo via UW Medicine on YouTube
Photo via UW Medicine on YouTube
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Most cities, and even some small towns, have an official fireworks show. These events are not just about the fireworks but also about coming together as a community to celebrate our nation's independence.

Most believe that big states like Washington, California, Texas, or Arizona would have the most impressive fireworks shows west of the Mississippi. Big cities like Seattle, Portland, Dallas, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and San Francisco pride themselves on holding unrivaled shows of splash and dash.

Photo by Jingda Chen on Unsplash
Photo by Jingda Chen on Unsplash
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However, none of these large cities can rival a small town whose population doubles, if not triples, during its Fourth of July Independence Day Celebrations. The celebrations are free to all who attend, and the details of this amazing fireworks show are unmatched in the Western United States.

Michael Smith, Getty Images
Michael Smith, Getty Images
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This show will feature 18,505 fireworks for over thirty-one minutes. Can any show in the country say they're shooting 597 shells per minute? You can do the math or believe us when we report there are 9.9 fireworks every second.

The crowd for this event is expected to once again exceed two hundred thousand Patriots. It takes a long time to create the fireworks and coordinate their firings safely and on time.

If you live in Idaho, you have a short drive to the 31st Annual Melaleuca Freedom Celebration in Idaho Falls. The fireworks show has been recognized nationally for its incredible, mind-blowing displays of explosives coordinated with patriotic music. (Don't worry about not being able to hear the music; there'll be over one hundred speakers to make sure you don't miss a synchronized beat.)

God And Country Photos 2023 Fireworks
KEVIN MILLER
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"The Melaleuca Freedom Celebration is more than just entertainment on the Fourth of July," said Melaleuca Executive Chairman Frank VanderSloot. "The combination of fireworks, music, and message provides magical moments of reflection and an opportunity to re-pledge allegiance to the flag representing our nation. On a different level, it's a heartfelt, unifying event for the community — but more importantly, it's a tribute of gratitude to America's heroes."

Opening Of New U.S. Embassy
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You won't miss the exciting conclusion featuring red, white, and blue stars and a thunderous visual display. If you live anywhere in the West, hopping in your car for a quick trip to Idaho Falls is still time. Here's a link to all the details.

10 Things to Do for Your Dog if They're Scared By Fireworks

My two big German Shepherds just hated the Fourth of July. My girl Bella used to run into the bathroom, push the shower curtain aside, and lay down in the tub. My sweet guy Zeus who weighed about 100 pounds would try to get in my lap every time I sat down, or would try to hide in the space between the toilet and the tub!

The dog who likes fireworks probably is a good hunting dog too. But, not mine, and not a lot of other dogs on the Fourth of July. But there are things you can do to help your furry kid get through fireworks season without going totally insane.

The American Kennel Club has all kinds of advice on how to get your pooch through the entire summer in good shape. But for the Independence Day holiday, they have 10 tips on how to keep your dog calm.

Gallery Credit: Patty Dee

30 Outrageous Fireworks Names That Sound Fake, But Are Actually Real

In states where fireworks are legal to purchase, stores have to rely on creative names to entice buyers. It's not like they can just go out and light off a test rocket to show customers.

Here are some of the best fireworks names we found when searching leading industry stores' online inventory.

Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll

7 Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July Without Fireworks

Gallery Credit: Michael Foth