June 30, 2008 Tips and tricks to saving money on July 4th holiday Play video

(NECN) - Many people are looking for some fun this upcoming Fourth of July weekend. But with the economy as it is, most people are looking for ways to celebrate the holiday without breaking the bank.

Here with a few tips and tricks is Louise Sacco of www.frugalyankee.com

A FRUGAL FOURTH:

FOR THE FAMILY:

Holidays are a great time to do things with friends and family because other people have done a lot of the organizing for you.

Parades: A lot of kids enjoy a 4th of July parade as much as fireworks. It's low-key, fun, and free. Don't forget sunscreen, bug spray, water, and snacks.

Fireworks - you don't have to fight the crowds at the Esplanade to see a great display. The newspapers list dozens of sites. Find something close to home maybe you can even walk or bike there. If you've got little kids, they may get tired or frightened - it's a lot simpler if you're not too far from home.

Make it a party by bringing along a picnic.

BBQ:

For a Fourth of July cook-out at your house, keep it simple, especially when there are kids involved. You just have to fill them up. Dogs and burgers, baked beans, maybe a green salad and a pasta salad will do it. Ice cream sandwiches and watermelon for dessert. Here are some ways to cut costs without cutting fun.

Stretching the Budget - this is a time when a trip to Costco or BJs will pay off. If you're having

a crowd, those giant cans of baked beans and multi-packs of hamburger buns will be put to good use. Look for 7/4 loss leaders and stock up)

Instead of individual cans of soda, make a big jug of lemonade, iced tea or fruit punch.

And please don't buy bottles of water. Chill a pitcher of your very own tap water.

When you make giant burgers; you end up throwing out a lot of wasted food because it's too much for some people. Make them small and offer seconds.

Add egg and bread crumbs to make burger juicier and stretch the budget.

Use any big tub or bucket as a cooler. Line it with a plastic bag. Put in chilled beer and dump ice cubes on top. This will cut down on the trips into the kitchen and on opening the refrigerator.

Ask your kids to make decorations. The decorations will be charming and it'll keep them busy for a day or two before the 4th. If they don't know what to make, paper chains are easy - cut strips from magazines and tape or glue the ends. If you don't have young kids, ask the neighbor kids for help - they'll love it.

Or invite a crowd for cold refreshments after the fireworks. A few snacks, some cold drinks, and you've got a pleasant evening.

SUMMER KID STUFF:

Make your own bubbles

Real fruit Popsicles

Catching lightning bugs

Coffee can stilts

Sparklers

Watermelon seed spitting contest