If you're like our family, you run around with all these ideas of great things you can do for the Fourth of July, and then before you know it -- BAM -- it's here and you don't have a darned thing planned (or very many good ideas, for that matter).

Well, enough already! I've found a variety of fun for the Fourth in the Grand Valley. Low on the expense scale, high on good times.

Let's start early in the week (what the heck) with the Thursday evening Farmer's Market in downtown Grand Junction. This is THE place to be on Thursday nights. As you meander down beautiful Main Street, you'll discover everything from earrings to eggplants (well, maybe not eggplants quite yet). Take in the live music, and visit with artists demonstrating their painting methods. Then grab a bite to eat at one of the fabulous restaurants that line downtown's Main Street. Most of the stores are open along Main, too, so be sure to pop in and shop. The market gets underway at 4 p.m. and goes until 8. Sometimes it gets a little hot, but the tree-lined street provides lots of shade and the stores are air-conditioned!

Friday, July 2, would be a great day to get up a little early, eat a good breakfast (my favorite new discovery is The Dream Cafe on Main Street) and head out to the National Monument for a scenic hike while the air is still somewhat cool. Or, if you get started too late (or would just rather), take the gorgeous drive over the Monument and stop here and there to take in the incredible majesty of the area. 

Friday evening brings the First Friday Art Hop. Start at the Art Center at 7 p.m. (corner of Orchard and 7th Street) for the Contemporary Clay Biennial, an eclectic collection of spectacular art. (Check out my earlier blog for more info.) Carolyn, the friendly woman at the front desk, will then give you helpful information about the other galleries open for First Friday and send you on your way to the next art hot spot. It's so much fun!

July 3, head out to Palisade for some wine tastings and to view the spectacular variety of art at The Blue Pig Gallery, Twisted Brick Studio, Steve Kentz studio and Tim Wedel studio. And, if there's time, take in a tour at SunCrest Orchard Alpacas (fascinating). 

After a full day of fun in Palisade, head back to Grand Junction for the Independence Music Festival in the Gardens at the Botanical Gardens. Bring something to sit on (a blanket, coat or chair) and listen to The Samples, a kind of reggae/rock group that has opened for the likes of Dave Matthews, the Allman Brothers Band and Blues Traveler. There's food and drink to buy there, so don't bring any. (I'm listening to their music now as I write -- delightful!)

The Fourth arrives, and it's time for parades and park festivities. You might want to sleep in. I'm getting a little tired just writing about all the happenings! So, after a good night's sleep, head out to Palisade. Take in the small-town parade at noon and then walk or drive to the community park for a free picnic of hot dogs and associated goodies. There are also pony rides and various other entertainment.  Everyone's incredibly friendly and hospitable. And the small-town feel will put a smile on your face.

Drum roll... the evening of the Fourth is highlighted by the "big" star-spangled parade in downtown Grand Junction at 5 p.m. When you're done there, go to Lincoln Park for more fun, food and festivities, all culminating at 9:45 p.m. with the fireworks extravaganza at Suplizio Field. 

Whew! What a weekend. Oh -- if you want to top it off -- go back out to Palisade for their Sunday Farmers Market. Much more intimate than Grand Junction's, but very relaxing and fun. 

OK, writing about all of this has reminded me that I need to head to the vet for some doggie Valium so the pooches don't completely freak out during all the fireworks. See you (well, really write you) next week. Have a good one!