We all celebrate the 4th of July a little differently but there is an underlying theme for most --- food, fireworks and family. For me, this holiday brings loads of fresh, local produce to mind. Saline watermelons, Ruston peaches, squash, cucumbers and vine-ripened tomatoes.  All, my favorites. Plus, it's blueberry harvesting season. You'll find them everywhere and can even pick them yourself at local farms. They make beautiful and delicious patriotic desserts.

Look below for FUN FAMILY EVENTS happening this weekend. Luckily, they're all pretty easy on the purse.

Parent Holiday Tips:

• Game Ideas for 4th of July Party
• Patriotic Pinwheel Craft
• Confetti Launcher Craft (A.K.A. Safety Firecracker)

Whether you're at the Riverfront, Sci-Port, the pool, church or your neighbors, I wish you a safe and happy holiday weekend!
-Allison Cate

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Use the PARENT PLANNER to keep you updated with all the family events, school holidays and more!

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Local produce farms make wonderful family outings. You can hand pick produce from the table and even from the plant, at some berry and peach farms. Take a short trip, give your kids "picking" control and delight them into eating healthy.

• Alexander Blueberry Farms
• Blueberry Hill Farm
• Ed Lester Farms
• Hillcrest Blueberry Farm
• Lenox Acres Blueberry Farm
• Poverty Hollow Farms
• Shuqalak Farms

BLUEBERRY CREAM CHEESE DESSERT
Serves: 12

Crust:
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup flour
Filling:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 8 ounces Cool Whip
Topping:
• 8 ounces Cool Whip
• 1 cup sugar, divided
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup water
1. Combine crust ingredients; spread in a 9X13-inch pan and cook for 15 minutes at 350°F. Cool.
2. Cream together the cream cheese and powdered sugar. Fold in Cool Whip.
3. Spread over cooled crust.
4. Combine ½ cup sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan. Add water then 2 cups of the blueberries. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and translucent. Crush some of the blueberries as they cook.
5. Remove from heat and add remaining sugar and blueberries. Cool. Spread over cream cheese filling and fill.

(Recipe from Alexander Berry Farm)