So, you’re a country. And it’s your birthday.

Hypothetically.

You’ll be a grand 238 years old next week. (And you don’t look a day over 29, by the way.) To celebrate, you want people to: A) Party a little. B) Party a lot. C) Party until the sky explodes in color.

Shopping Siren’s pretty sure America is a C choice kind of gal.

Having a hot dog and a nap in the lawn chair just won’t do.

The Fourth of July should be about fun! Sparkle! Lots of red, white and blue! And since it falls on a Friday this year, there’s extra time for it.

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So munch and nap, yes, but also consider throwing a shindig.

Concerned that an aging Char-b-que and a foam cooler don’t a party make? Shopping Siren can help with that.

* KanJam, Olympia Sports, $44.99

When SS was a kid, horseshoes ruled the barbecue. Today it’s KanJam. The premise: One person tosses a disc into a bucket while another person tries to slap it away. Like what your big brother used to do when you played basketball together. Only, you know, fun.

Pair with:

* Outdoor games, Olympia Sports, various prices (Buy one, get one half off)

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The sports store is having a sale this week: Buy one outdoor game for $19.99 or more and get another half off. That means you can get a badminton set and golf toss. Or corntoss* and KanJam. Or horseshoes and, well, anything at all. Horseshoes rock enough for all games.

(* Yes, this is a real thing. And it’s corn-rific.)

* Aerobie Skylighter, Olympia Sports, $14.99

Flying disc lit by little LEDs. Perfect for a twilight game of catch, after hot dogs and before the fireworks. Sure, mosquitoes will annoy then, but just tell them to get their own disc.

* Various American-themed movies, Bull Moose, $2.97 to $19.97

I spotted “Flyboys” (used), “The American President” (used) and “Captain America” (new), but wander through the Bull Moose stacks and you may see other favorites. Great to have on hand in case you have to move the party inside due to wind, rain or mosquitoes that just won’t take the hint.

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* “American Patriot” CD by Lee Greenwood, used, Bull Moose, $2.97

By the country singer who did “God Bless the USA,” the song that became popular during the Gulf War and after 9/11. This CD includes that, plus “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful” and other patriotic songs. This is where I make a declaration: Too few barbecues have music! A little “Star-Spangled Banner” goes a long way.

* Home Essentials 1.5-gallon beverage dispenser with iron stand, T.J. Maxx, $19.99

With a spout on the front and an iron stand underneath, this glass dispenser is perfect for an afternoon’s worth of lemonade, punch or, perhaps, an adult beverage. Nothing says party like a dispenser full of margaritas.

* Gardens Eden outdoor candle trio, T.J. Maxx, $7.99

Red, white and blue citronella candles nestled in little metal tubs. Decorative, useful and patriotic — that’s a lot to ask of a candle. But I’m sure they’re up for the job.

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* Tahari Home metal tub with wooden handles, T.J. Maxx, $29

Fill with ice, toss in a couple of 12-packs of soda and beer and, voila! Happy party-goers. It’s on clearance from $39.99, so you can be happy, too.

* Tinsel garland and wire garland, Dollar Tree, $1 each

For a dollar you can get 9 feet of red, white and blue shaggy tinsel or 25 feet of red, white and blue stars and strands on wire. String across doors, bushes and railings for that happy, shiny look. Because birthday parties should be happy, shiny affairs. Particularly 238th birthdays.

* Glow Play glow stick wand, Dollar Tree, $1

Plastic handle with a fountain of red, white and blue glow sticks on the end. Fun for all and all for fun. That’s my new motto.

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* Flag kit, The Sign Store & Flag Center (Auburn), $16.47

Includes a 5- by 3-foot flag, a 6-foot pole and brackets. Really, the only Fourth of July decoration you need. (Though I’m still a fan of shiny garland.)

Best find: Tovolo rocket pop molds, T.J. Maxx, $6.99

Remember those red, white and blue rocket Popsicles the ice cream truck used to sell? These are like those! Fill the molds with juice or blended fruit, freeze and enjoy. And since the molds are reusable, you never have to run out. Ain’t no party like a rocket pop party ’cause the rocket pop party don’t stop.

Think twice: About ignoring the day

Hot dog in a lawn chair or party with games and rocket pops, make it a holiday to remember.

Shopping Siren’s true identity is protected by a pair of stylish, sweater-wearing Doberman pinschers (who are not fans of fireworks. At. All.) and the Customer Service counter at the Sun Journal. You can reach her at shoppingsiren@sunjournal.com.


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