Risk-free fun for the Fourth of July

Independence Day is considered the “official” start of summer.  It's a time for parades, fireworks, barbecues, picnics, beaches, boating, vacations and a whole lot more.

To take advantage of the holiday, you’ll need to do some planning – to decide what to do, where to do it, and how to do it safely.  The safety factor affects everybody, from food-handling to fireworks, and a little caution will go a long way.  Here are some tips and some ideas:

Safety tips

• Fireworks are only for the pros 
• Barbecue and summer food safety
• Summer heat precautions
• Summer fire safety

What to do and where to go

• Search for events
• Harborfest
• Boston's 4th of July 
• Old Sturbridge Village Celebration
• Mohawk Trail concerts 
• New Bedford Summerfest and Blessing of the Fleet
• Pittsfield 4th of July parade

Remember, if you are going to Boston's 4th of July celebration on the Esplanade, take the MBTA and save time.