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Ready to celebrate the Fourth, old-school style?

First, declare war on Britain (ok, you can Tweet it if you prefer). Get some people to sign on, set a bonfire on the lawn, burn some King George III effigies, and stock up on rum, applejack, and salted meat.

If it's a bit too late to get the applejack on short notice, a fireworks compromise will do. The recession has forced cities and sponsors to cut back on the pyrotechnics this year, but sellers actually believe sales will boom thanks to backyard celebrations.

If that's the case, here is what you need to know...and some things you don't, but it's interesting anyway...and stay safe:

• Check your area for rules. Some places crackdown on some types of sizzers, if not all. The American Pyrotechnics Association site has a good roundup of laws by state (but in PDF documents).
• Leave pets, from Fido to Black Beauty, indoors (or stalls) so they don't freak out during the ruckus, advises LiveScience. Tying them up may not work: They could go into a frenzy and choke themselves. Some critters may have to be sedated.
• Your kids asking why fireworks go kablooey? Tell them to read this article that runs down the ingredients. The Orange County Register explains the why behind all the colors.
• Ecofriendly fireworks exist, but they're pricy and hard to get.
• Yahoo! Food lists the best sites for a picnic show.