Once again we've come upon our country's most patriotic time of the year. There's nothing better then grabbing a blanket and loved ones and heading down to your nearest park for some festivities, firework-gazing and appreciation of the good ol' U.S.A.

Here is your ultimate Milwaukee guide to where to picnic, see the parades and ooh and ahh at the bright booms.

Milwaukee

Alcott Park: July 4 -- The parade assembly moves from the French Immersion School, 3575 S. 88th St., to Alcott Park at 9 a.m. where children will receive free ice cream. There's also games and contests all day. The fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.

Enderis Playfield: July 4 -- Festivities begin at 8:30 a.m. and run through noon.

Gordon Park: July 4 -- The 9 a.m. parade to Gordon Park begins the celebration, along with ice cream and activities throughout the day. The fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

Humboldt Park: July 4 -- The parade starts at 9 a.m. at Kinnickinnic and Lincoln Avenues, the afternoon children's parade begins at 1:30 p.m. There is live music from 3 to 5 p.m. and the night closes with fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

Jackson Park: July 4 -- Children's parades begin at 8:30 a.m. with ice cream at 9 a.m. There is a hobby exhibition and a talent show. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

Dr. M.L. King Park: July 4 -- A picnic along with face painting and games begins at at 11:30 a.m., a talent contest at 1 p.m. and a dance starts at 4 p.m.

Lake Park: July 4 -- Parades from Hartford School and Marland Avenue School commence at 9 a.m. with other parades, like a doll buggy, coaster and tricycle parade, to follow throughout the day. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

Lincoln Park: July 4-- You'll have to check out another park for daytime festivities but you can make your way to Lincoln Park for fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

McGovern Park: July 4 -- Parade from 64th and Sheridan to the park begins at 10:30 a.m. The mayor speaks at 12:30 p.m. and fireworks rev up at 9:15 p.m.

Merrill Playfield: July 4 -- The parade runs from 10:15 to 10:30 a.m. with awards, ice cream, games and socializing until noon.

Mitchell Park: July 4 -- A school parade is held at 8:45 a.m., the talent show is at 3 p.m., DJ Dan Variety plays the "Music of the Years" from 6 to 9 p.m. and the fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.

Noyes Park: July 4 -- A parade leaves at 8:45 a.m., ice cream at 10 a.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

Sherman Park: July 4 -- The parade leaves from 52nd and Center at 9:30 a.m. with ice cream an hour later, and games and prizes throughout the day.

Washington Park: July 4 -- The day begins with a flag raising at 11:30 a.m. with games and contests until the fireworks show at 9:15 p.m.

Wilson Park: July 4 -- The parade commences at 9 a.m. The Wilson Park Youth Baseball Game is held at noon. The Wilson Park swimming pool is open from 1 to 5 p.m. The Greater Milwaukee Figure Skating Club puts on a free ice show at the Rec Center, 4001 S. 20th St., at 3 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

U.S. Bank Fireworks, Veterans Park: July 3 -- Veterans Park, at the Lakefront, fireworks start around 9:30 p.m. with activities all day long! This is by far the biggest and most popular fireworks display in the area. Our advice is to camp out early with your blankets for a good seat.

Suburbs and beyond

Bayside: July 4 -- The parade starts at 9 a.m. at Bayside Middle School and end at Ellsworth Park.

Brookfield: July 4 -- A parade for the town begins at 10 a.m. on July 4 running on Calhoun Road between North Avenue and Gebhardt Road. An ice cream social and ceremony follows the parade in the Civic Plaza between City Hall and the Safety building. Mitchell Park hosts Family Fest from 6 to 9 p.m. on July 4 with family-oriented activities. The city's fireworks start at 9:00 p.m.

Brown Deer: July 4 -- This year's fourth of July celebration features a parade, corn roast along with a picnic, Schoolhouse Museum Open House, bingo, other entertainment and a fireworks display in the Village Park.

Butler: July 4-- A parade starts at 2 p.m.; starting at 132nd and Hampton Avenue and ending at Frontier Park. Fireworks will go off at dusk.

Cedarburg: July 4 -- A community parade starts at 10 a.m. and is followed by festivities at Cedar Creek Park, including music, food children's activities. Fireworks light up the sky at 9:30 p.m.

Cudahy: July 4-- A community parade and fireworks are held at Sheridan Park, 4800 S. Lake Dr.

Elm Grove: July 4-- An Independence Day run/walk starts at 9 a.m. in the village park and is followed by a bike decorating contest at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Church. Carnival games, rides, a "No Crybabies Baking Contest" and live music round out the day's activities. Fireworks start at 9:40 p.m.

Franklin: July 5-8-- The city of Franklin will feature four days of celebration centered at Lions Legend Park. Saturday, 3 p.m.-midnight, Sunday, 3 a.m.-10 p.m., Monday, 5 p.m.-midnight and Tuesday 9 a.m.-10 p.m. The celebration features a children's parade at 10:45 a.m. and the main parade at 11 a.m. on July 5, along Highway 100 and Loomis Road. Franklin also hosts the Franklin Idol Contest, both a junior and adult contest.

Glendale: July 3-6 -- Glendale welcomes Independence Day with a four-day festival and celebration at Kletzsch Park, including a parade on July 4 at 10:30 a.m. (the kids parade begins at 10 a.m.). An arts and crafts fair, carnival, food and music are featured each day of the Glendale Days festival. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. on July 4.

Grafton: July 4-6 -- The Holidaze three-day festival features a grand fireworks display on July 1 at dusk in Lime Kiln Park. Friday July 4, there's a fish fry provided by the Grafton Family Restaurant. Saturday there's a car show prior to the fireworks show. Sunday there's a bicycle/tricycle parade for children from noon to 12:30 p.m. All weekend, the Jaycees host a corn roast and the American Legion has bingo.

Greendale: July 4 -- Greendale celebrates with its Fourth of July Parade at 10:30 a.m.