Are you all ready for your Fourth of July celebrations? I hope that you get the opportunity to visit a community parade. I’ve been sharing some items for items to bring to the parade to enhance the experience.
Small candies: Small candies are great to have on hand to share with your parade neighbors. A secret stash of candy also helps if your children don’t happen to catch any of the candy that is thrown from the parade. Last year, we were at the end of the route and the candy from the floats had all been used up before they got to us. Sneakily throwing a handful of candy out in front of the kids made all the difference.
Bubbles: Sometimes you get to the parade early to get a good spot and sometimes the parade just doesn’t start on time. When the two things combine, you can have cranky or bored kids. Some bubbles or other small toy may just be the thing to occupy the kids until the excitement begins.
Sun protection and heat protection are important, so don’t forget the following items for parade watching: sun screen, visors and hats (these are especially important for the youngest parade viewers), water and drinks. This is vital.
Beads: For a little more festivity why not bring along some strings of plastic beads in red, white and blue? You can wear them or give them away. Look for these beads on OrientalTrading.com or at the local dollar store.
Ice cream or ice pop treats: If you are feeling generous, a cooler stocked with ice cream cups or those long plastic tubes of colored ice are always big hits with kids.
Wipes: After the parade, you might want to clean those little hands and faces, especially if they eat some of the candy or partake of some ice cream or ice treats.
Camera: Even if you don’t want photos of the actual parade, you can get some great shots of your family watching it, diving for the thrown candy, blowing a pinwheel, etc.
Bathroom: While I don’t expect you to bring a bathroom with you, having a map or at least an idea of the nearest bathroom to the parade can be a lifesaver, especially if it is a long trip back to the car for home.
Baby backpack: If you have a little one, put him in a backpack, so he can get a great view of the parade and still be out of harm’s way in a crowd. It is safer than putting a baby on your shoulders.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. Starting June 1st, don’t miss her articles in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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What to Bring to a Fourth of July Parade