*Note: Add your own tips in the comments!

Fireworks are at 10 p.m.

The city of Eden Prairie has planned a fireworks display for 10 p.m. July Fourth at Round Lake. In case of rain, fireworks will be rescheduled to 10 p.m. July 5.

New this year

New this year will be the Outdoor Center coming to share information and creatures. In addition, there will be fun activities from the Art Center.

Wrist bands will be available this year for all day fun in the inflatable area and carnival games from noon to 3 p.m. and again from 5-8 p.m.

There is expanded parking at the Community Center and plenty of room at the High School and Immanuel Church lots, according to city staff.

Kiddie parade essentials

Children ages 10 and younger are invited to participate in the annual Kiddie Parade at 11:15 a.m. Saturday. Meet at the Community Center to line up at about 10:30 a.m. The route heads across the walking bridge to Round Lake Park where it ends up near the entertainment stage.

* Show your patriotic colors! – Red, white and blue are the colors of the day, and past participants have been seen with a variety of streamers, banners, face paint, stuffed animals, hair accessories, colorful clothing and headgear.

* Pick your vehicle, feet, wagons, trikes, bikes and scooters are welcome.

* You might want to pack a bottle of water and snack in your wagon, trike or stroller, as there is a short wait by the Community Center before the parade starts.

* Youth groups, families, daycares and clubs are welcome to
participate.

* Don’t forget your camera!

Treats to check out

The following food vendors are signed up for the city’s Fourth of July celebration, according to the city of Eden Prairie:
* Ruby’s BBQ
* Papa Rueben’s
* Diventuri
* Grandpa’s Dog House
* Eden Prairie Lions Club
* Milio’s Sandwiches
* Westrums
* Jersey Brothers Pizza
* Drew’s Mini-Donuts
* Ruhland’s Strudel Haus
* Kettle Korn
* Hawaiian Shaved Ice

Check them out in Round Lake Park. In addition visit local groups that will have informational booths at the event, including the Eden Prairie News.

Fireworks photos made easy

Fireworks are the main attraction at Eden Prairie’s Fourth of July Hometown celebration Saturday, and we’ve included some tips for taking great photos of fireworks, direct from Kodak:

* “Location, Location, Location” – Find a great location with an unobstructed view so you can get the best picture of the fireworks over Round Lake.

* “Use a tripod and remote” – You can get sharper, crisper shots if you use a tripod and remote starter so you don’t have to push the shutter button and move the camera.

* “Get in the right mode” – Use night mode for the best performance in low-light conditions. Remember to use the tripod and remote, or brace the camera against a railing, column or (more likely in Round Lake Park) a tree.

* “Film a sequence” – Use your camera’s burst mode to capture the fireworks in action.

* “Beat blur at its own game” – If it’s blurry, work with it. Use a low shutter speed to “create a light-trail effect.”
For more information, visit www.kodak.com.

Fireworks safety

The Eden Prairie Fire Department has compiled the following fireworks safety tips:

* Use only fireworks that are legal in the state of Minnesota.

* Follow manufacturer guidelines when allowing children to use
fireworks and remember that adult supervision is always a good safety precaution.

* Allow all fireworks residue to cool completely before throwing it away.

* If a firework malfunctions, leave it alone for a minimum of a half hour, then submerge in a bucket of water for 15 to 20 minutes before throwing it in the trash.

Contact the Eden Prairie Fire Marshall at 952-949-8356 for more information, or with questions related to fire safety.

Source: Eden Prairie Crime Prevention Fund newsletter.

Beat the heat

For those participating in the baseball, softball or other games and activities, the following are some tips from the Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on life during hot weather:

* Drink more fluids than usual – but avoid fluids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar.

* Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

* Never leave people – or animals – in a closed, parked vehicle.

* Check regularly on people who may be at higher risk of heat-related illness – infants and young children, people over 65, people with mental illness and people with chronic health problems like heart disease or high blood pressure.

* Try to limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening. Try to take rest breaks in shady areas.

* Limit physical exercise. Again, when you do exercise, be sure to take in plenty of fluids.

* When you’re outdoors, wear hats and use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

More information about protecting your health during hot weather is available on the MDH Web site at www.health.state.mn.us.