We’ll be on the beach for a few days, so we’re giving you our picks for the week… and the weekend a little early.

The big, big party on the Fourth is Macy’s Fireworks. Watch it from Liberty State Park (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/liberty.html) beginning at 9 p.m. Get there by 3 p.m. for a concert featuring Gary U.S. Bonds. Or go to Boulevard East, atop the Palisades in Weehawken and West New York—just remember that to get a spot in the front you need to arrive early.

Down the Shore, Long Branch says its Oceanfest is the region’s biggest free Independence Day celebration,” running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. www.longbranchchamber.org/oceanfest.htm.

Where sand meets sea there will be plenty of places to watch be fireworks, beginning at 9 p.m. A short list, from north to south, includes Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, Beach Haven, Ocean City, Stone Harbor, and Cape May.

For a real lesson about the Fourth of July, costumed park rangers at Washington’s Headquarters in Morristown National Historical Park perform a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. There will be stories, riddles, jokes and an inspection of troops. www.nps.gov/morr or (973) 539-2016.

Saturday is the last day for the Cumberland County Fair, in Millville. There are amusement rides, tractor pulls, eating contests, live music, farm and garden exhibits, a petting zoo, and Clydesdale hayrides. www.cumberlandcofair.com.

And at the other end of the state, the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Branchville hosts the Sussex Powwow Native American Festival (www.redhawkcouncil.org/calendar/july10.htm). More than a thousand Native Americans from across the continent will share their history, art, music, dance, and traditions. Food includes buffalo burgers, wild rice, venison stew, corn soup and fry bread. Great craft shopping as well.

Enjoy all your celebrations. Look for us back in your in-box on Monday the 9th!