Don’t Forget These Must-Haves For Fireworks Night In Minnesota

While tomorrow is America's birthday, Independence Day, that doesn't mean the fireworks shows will be over. With fireworks on the brain, I thought a friendly reminder before the big night would be helpful, as it seems there is always that one person/family that forgets one of these things as the sun sets and the show is about to begin.

Some things are just essential for a Minnesota fireworks show

If you are heading out to one of the many area fireworks shows here in Central Minnesota, or beyond (here's a list of shows across MN), you'll want to remember to pack some essential items before you leave the driveway.

Flashlight/Head Lamp

The first thing on my list might be the most essential for a fireworks show: remembering to bring along a flashlight or headlamp for AFTER the show. I know our cell phones have a flashlight app, but you may have burned through most of your battery going 'LIVE' at the show (tacky by the way).

Pack a small twist-on/off flashlight or headlamp for the walk back to the vehicle; it will make it easier to avoid tripping/falling on hidden obstacles that you easily navigated before the show.

Blanket or Camp Chairs

Sometimes we are in a rush, as we are running behind for some reason, and as we are in a hurry to get in the car, so we can park close enough, as well as get a great spot for the show, we might forget packing an absolute essential, a blanket to sit on, or some camping/foldable chairs to sit on.

Forgetting the chairs is my biggest foible every year. We have between 10-12 chairs in our garage as we forgot to pack some, and then we ran to a Dollar General and grabbed a cheap pair.

Go ahead, grab the chairs or the blanket and put them in your vehicle now. Much like koozie season, I have gotten better with just packing a pair of chairs in the back of my SUV as soon as the weather warms up, that way we aren't without when we arrive at a friend's for a fire or the fireworks show.

Bug Spray/Sun Screen/Water

These are the holy trinity of a 4th of July show. Having bug spray for you and the kids, keeps the buzzing broods of mosquitos at bay, if you are getting to your spot early enough, or other activities are going on like at Wilson Park, pack some sunscreen and grab some water to stay hydrated, especially with the heat that is expected tomorrow afternoon.

Bonus Tip: Glow Sticks/Necklaces For Kids

Keep track of the kids by getting some glow sticks or glow necklaces/bracelets for the kids to wear when the sun goes down. Give each kid a color, and it will help you keep track of them if they want to wander around before or after the show.

We do this with our nieces and nephews, and it lets them explore while we can still keep track of where they are, even in the dark.

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Enjoy the show, and celebrate responsibly.