For the first time in 10 years, my family is staying in town for Independence Day.

And that's okay, because there are many ways to enjoy the holiday close to home.

Leesburg's Fourth of July parade is on our agenda. Then, we'll either check out the fireworks display at Ida Lee Park, or we may just set off some lame legal fireworks at home on our driveway.

Perhaps you'll be spending the evening at home lighting your own pyrotechnics. If so, here are some safety tips from fire marshal Keith Brower, in addition to a map of places to buy legal fireworks around the county. Take the advice of firefighter/blogger Brian who posts on Becoming a Firefighter "Have a safe 4th, and don't buy fireworks from people in ice cream trucks."

Still undecided as to how you'll be spending the day? Check out this comprehensive list and map of organized events in and around Loudoun for ideas.

And, if you've snapped some cool Independence Day pics, we'd love to see them! Send your favorite Fourth of July photos to loudounextra@wpni.com and, who knows, maybe we'll add 'em to the site!

Lastly, check out LoudounExtra.com tomorrow for some first-hand comments from area residents sharing their favorite ways of celebrating our country's proudest day.

Have a safe and relaxing holiday, LoCo!