The Fourth of July is a big one in Tucson. That’s probably because its long-standing traditions are not only unifying, but are right out there in every neighborhood within firework-spotting distance for everyone to see and enjoy, instead of behind closed doors as with other, less neighborly holidays (Thanksgiving, I’m looking at you). It’s one of the most social of holidays around these parts – families drag folding chairs out into the street or climb onto still toasty roofs in the Barrios, South Tucson or in the University area. They blast boom boxes that play Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overtureâ€� or perhaps just good old fashioned Norteño, dip into coolers full of beer and soda, and every burg is thick with the all-American scent of BBQ.

Personally, I can’t imagine growing weary of this scene – where neighbors are neighborly and festive, where awestruck children and unashamed jaded hipsters stand side by side to ooh and aah at the display of exploding airborne chemicals. But just in case, here is a short list of 4th of July to-dos about town. Many are family friendly, but please… leave the pets at home, indoors with some nice mood music playing to soften the impact of what sounds like Armageddon descending to them. It’s tiring constantly chasing down the inevitable pack of spooked mutts that break free every year.

OK, first things first – to those who don’t have friends with homes with a good view of A Mountain’s fireworks (set to begin at 9 p.m.), you have options: you can tailgate at the Tucson Convention Center, Parking Lot B (Granada & Cushing). It’s $4 a car, but hey, there’s food! A beer garden! Live music! It all starts at 7 p.m. Or you can cruise the West Side for businesses that allow people to gather in their parking lots for the festivities.

After the fireworks, you should be able to catch some of opener The Swim at Plush if you really hustle. The first of three local acts starts at 9:30 and are followed by American Android and good old funky soul rockers Chango Malo. The show sets you back $5.

Feel like shaking what yo’ mama gave you in the name of patriotism? Ill Styles (more commonly known as “hip hop night� at Vaudeville has got your back.

It just wouldn’t be a holiday without some sort of extravagant brouhaha at Hotel Congress. The theme this year? Freedompalooza! It’s patriotic-sounding enough to appeal to your uncle that actually covered his windows with duct tape and Saran Wrap per government suggestion and ironic enough to appeal to those hard-to-impress rock ‘n’ roll types. As you would expect, there are bands, BBQ and the like. Fireworks are promised, too, but except for the roof, it doesn’t seem like Congress was built with the greatest A Mountain viewpoint. Maybe it’s done with mirrors.

The flier doesn’t name names, but a little freedom loving bird told me that this year’s performers will include everything from rockabilly to Latin-flavored rock to blues to belly dancing courtesy of Wolfman & the Nards, the Deadtones, the Last Call Brawlers, Tracy Shedd, Al Perry, Midriff Crisis, the Mission Creeps, Tom Walbank and the Jons.

Remember, it’s $2 extra for terrorists, but interestingly enough they still get in, despite the fact that they “hate freedom�! For more infor go to www.hotelcongress.com.

OK, coronary averted – after giving the Arts Express Choir & Orchestra’s “Let Freedom Singâ€� concert information a second look, I am now secure in the knowledge that the event will be directed by Dr. Joan Ashcraft, not John “Let the Eagle Soarâ€� Ashcroft. Phew! On the other hand, the opportunity to corner the most evil and vile (hey, those words are the same with only the “eâ€� switched around) attorney general ever is tempting. But let’s give Ms. Ashcraft the respect she surely deserves. It’s not her fault her name is similar to an evildoer’s. But I digress… the concert starts at 4 p.m., so you have plenty of time to catch the fireworks and it’s at the TCC, so you can tailgate immediately upon exiting. Tix are free (10 & younger) to $12 for adults. For more info go to www.arts-express.org.

When last year’s Winterhaven 4th of July parade boasted “neighbors; children on bikes, scooters and wagons; pets; free lemonade; music from the ’40s and ’50s and retired congressman/parade grand marshal Jim Kolbe,â€� you weren’t just getting a wholesome, family-style holiday, you were getting a spot in a time machine set to 1955! Just like “Back to the Future!” Who doesn’t want that? It normally starts at 6 p.m. on the corner of Christmas Ave. & Kleindale Road, but I haven’t found any information on it this year, which would be the 40th anniversary of the event. Anyone? Anyone?

For those of us on the northern side of Tucson, who like their 4th to be a little more on the old fashioned side (i.e. music in the form of jazz, brass bands and “patriotic standards�), the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council Independence Day Celebration might be your thing. It’s in Riverfront Park (551 W. Lambert Lane, Oro Valley) at 4:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. and won’t cost you a thing. Go to www.govac.org for more info.

Whatever you decide to do this 4th of July, you can count on one thing every time – there’s nothing that makes you feel more proud to be an American or a Tucsonan than the orange glow of the inevitable post-firework brush fire on A Mountain.

God bless America!