For the 4th of July in Nebraska it is HOT HOT HOT! We have had the 4th party for our family for the past 5 years. We start off by sending an e-vite to about 100 of our family and friends.  On that e-vite we have seperated the food list alphabetically one group brings the salads, one group brings the desserts and the other group brings the munchies.  The party usually starts around 4:00.  We have the pool set up in the yard, squirt guns are a must and whoever wants to get involved can... young and old alike. After that we have the kids decorate their bikes and we have a bike parade.  The kids love to see who can use the most decorations.  We have balloons, streamers and the metallic star garland available for all to use.  We also have some patriotic tattoos, and necklaces for the kids to decorate themselves. I get the decorations for the next year when it goes on sale half price after the 4th.  After the bike parade we start up the grill and eat and eat! We provide the meat and drinks and everyone else brings their assigned dish.  We set up the karoke machine and anyone who dares can sing us a tune.  It is a standing tradition and we all love to come together and celebrate the Birthday of our country. We of course end the night with a huge display of fireworks.