It’s that time of year when both locals and tourists alike flock to the Flathead Valley’s waterways and campgrounds for a weekend of BBQs, boating and booze to celebrate freedom on America’s 249^th birthday.

But for many freedom fanatics, the party starts well before Fourth of July weekend when Hong Kong Harry’s (pictured above) sets up shop along the local highways, selling mortar rounds and roman candles to the local pyromaniacs that keep the party lit till well beyond Independence Day.

In addition to the multiple professional fireworks shows that are scheduled around the valley, the legendary DIY display in Badrock Canyon is where serious pyrotechnicians get down to business with a free-for-all show in the gateway to Glacier National Park. Between bottle rockets shooting across U.S. Highway 2, fingers being blown off and drunk driving, law enforcement has all hands on deck in a county the size of Connecticut.

“Have fun, be safe – don’t drink and drive,” Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino said ahead of the long weekend. “Law enforcement will be out serving the community. Be patient – this is one of the busiest days of the year.”

Additionally, fireworks are often the culprit of wildfires, 85% of which are human caused in the United States. As of today, the Flathead National Forest’s fire danger is “moderate.”

Here’s a snapshot of some of the Fourth of July events happening this weekend.

Whitefish Lake Fireworks Show

Where: Whitefish City Beach

When: 10:30 p.m.

Lakeside Fireworks Show

Where: Flathead Lake

When: 11 p.m.

Kalispell Parade

Where: Main Street

When: 10 a.m.

Northern Lights Saloon

Where: Polebridge

When: July 4^th – Dan Dubuque at 1 p.m.; The Spillsat 6 p.m.

July 5^th – Moonshine Mountain at 6 p.m.

July 6^th Bo Depeña at 6 p.m.

Home Ranch Bottoms

Where: Polebridge

When: July 4^th – Tom Catmull at 6 p.m.

July 5^th, 6^th – Chris Acker at 6 p.m.

But remember – while lighting fireworks during all hours of the night may ignite thrill for some, it triggers trauma for many combat veterans, with its elements resembling explosions and gunfire.

According to the National Center for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), some veterans might experience strong reactions to fireworks, which includes flashbacks, anxiety or numbness.

Dogs, too, can experience anxiety in response fireworks and according to the American Kennel Club, a high volume of dogs to run away on the Fourth of July. Other reactive behaviors include hiding, shaking and howling.

Experts recommend that pet owners keep their dogs away from fireworks, create a safe space, and comfort furry companions with familiar toys and treats.

I’m Maggie Dresser, here with a lit Daily Roundup to launch the Fourth of July Weekend …

In her latest column, Bigfork-based cookbook author and food blogger Julie Laing shares her recipe for marinated and grilled fish skewers. Check it out here.