To all our U.S. readers, happy Fourth! If you want to celebrate without the traditional explosions and fireworks, here are a few other options…

⿢ Continuing from yesterday⿿s festivities, the Fourth of July Celebration at Citizen Bar features a $25 drink package (along with a free burger before 1 p.m.) and a bags tournament. (11:00 a.m. ⿿ 2:00 a.m.)

⿢ Are you a fan of anime? Break out your costumes for J-Pop Night, a Japanese pop dance party at darkroom. ($5 after 11 p.m., 9:00 p.m. ⿿ 2:00 a.m.)

⿢ Blu Coral, a contemporary sushi lounge, offers a special patriotic menu. Dinner specials include a Red Stripe Special (Red Dragon, Caterpillar, Urban Heat signature maki and sushi trio), a White Stripe Special (White Sox, Dragon, Rainbow signature maki and sushi trio), and a ⿿Blu⿿ Stripe Special (Blu Coral, Spicy Tataki, Ocean Drive, and California Sunset signature makis). They will also be offering red, white, and blu martini specials. (ends July 6)

⿢ The Deerfield Family Days continue, including a pancake breakfast, flower show, 10K race, arts and crafts sale, and kids⿿ activities. (7:30 a.m. ⿿ 4:00 p.m.)

⿢ The Brookfield Independence Day Celebration includes a parade and a community picnic with live music in Kiwanis Park. (10:00 a.m. ⿿ 6:00 p.m.)

⿢ Take a moment to remember what this holiday is all about. The Freedom Museum will host family activities and invites visitors to creatively show what freedom means to them. (10:00 a.m. ⿿ 6:00 p.m.)

Photo credit: (c/o SXC) Steve Knight, Elvis Santana