It’s one of those years when the Fourth of July falls smack in the middle of the week, Wednesday, and you don’t know whether to take the long weekend now or next week.

Maybe take off everything in between? If only we could.

At least this week we can, finally, find fresh New Jersey blueberries at supermarkets. Go pay homage to the official state fruit at the Whitesbog 24th Annual Blueberry Festival in Browns Mills, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You’ll find music, blueberries, tours, blueberries, crafts, blueberries, Pineland folk arts, blueberries, an antique engine display, blueberries, children’s activities and blueberries. www.whitesbog.org or (609) 893-4646.

A different kind of blues, and jazz and gospel too, is to be found Saturday through Sunday at the Asbury Park Jazz Festival. It runs from noon through the late evening at Sunset Park. Schedule of performances: www.asburypark.net/home.shtml.

Third of July, Asbury Park: Southside Johnny at the Stone Pony www.stoneponyonline.com. On the Fourth itself, what’s billed as “the Jersey Shore's biggest free Independence Day celebration” takes place in Long Branch 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Food, music, sand sculpting displays, crafts and oceanfront fireworks www.longbranchchamber.org/oceanfest.htm.

Or, watch the Macy’s fireworks from our side of the Hudson. Nearly 100,000 people are expected at Liberty State Park http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/liberty.html.

A smaller party is at the Sergeantsville Inn (www.sergeantsvilleinn.com), which is hosting an All-American barbeque with corn, hot dogs, ribs hamburgers and all-you-can-eat chili plus drink specials. It kicks off at noon, and a live band starts at 3:30. $15 with reservation, $18 at the door, $7 children under 12.

Starting the weekend early? Tonight, shops on Asbury Avenue in Ocean City are sponsoring a “Ladies Nite Out” 6 p.m. to 9 pm. There will be discount shopping, food sampling and a meet and greet at Accent Gallery www.accentgallery.com. Call the Glass Frog Studio for details, (609) 398-7510.

And, even though we are not yet into the dog days of summer, you can take your pooch or your kitty to a pet ice cream social. Yes. We quote: “Dogs, cats and their owners will enjoy a fun filled day including games, free giveaways, and ice cream to keep cool during the festivities.” Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. at the Canis Minor Pet Boutique in Jersey City. www.canisminor.net.

Take a few days of freedom and celebrate our independence—enjoy!