Isn’t Independence Day just about the perfect holiday? There’s no somber side to it. The point of the holiday is to simply celebrate our freedom.

How better of a way to be free than to go do whatever we want? Relax. Take it easy. Be liberated. Not only should we revel in our freedom, we should be proud of it, too. How cool is that?

And how often does the Fourth of July land on a Friday? Not often.

The holiday has been during the week the past few years but this year, finally, it is on a Friday. That’s the best day for it. Because in Albert Lea, we get an early start on the Fourth of July celebration with a Third of July Parade.

Take advantage of the long weekend and celebrate freedom by being free and having fun. There are some fun activities going on. Be sure to check out the Weekend Planner for the full list. Make sure you don’t miss the Third of July Parade at 6 p.m. today and the fireworks display around 10 p.m. Friday.

We know you’ll be outside mostly, but if you happen to get online, you’ll see some extras at AlbertLeaTribune.com, such as videos and additional photos from Albert Lea’s Independence Day celebration. Maybe you will see someone you know. Maybe you will spot yourself.

Most of all, let’s hope the weather cooperates a lot better than it did last year, when a severe thunderstorm ruined the parade.

Knock on wood.