The long holiday weekend is right around the corner. What do you have planned?

It's not too late to put a neat package together for the big holiday. Here are a few ideas:

SURVIVAL GUIDE: The State Journal Register in Springfield, Ill., has a survival guide for readers online, that includes everything from events to go to, parking information and more. Consider how the survival guide could work in print, possibly a 10 things to know story about the holiday weekend in your Friday newspaper. Check it out.

A TOUGH ECONOMY: Is your community or are other communities in your area canceling shows this year because of the economy? The Atlanta Journal Constitution documents how the economy is impacting shows in their community. Can residents remember the last time their town didn't have a fireworks show and how will locals celebrate this year? Check it out.

MORE FAMILY TIME: Will the tough economy keep people at home with their family and friends and not on the road? The Examiner.com has a piece on how to make kid crafts for the holiday, if you are staying home. Check it out.

PARTY SALES: If families stay closer to home, will that be good for party stores? This Los Angeles Times story says party stores are selling out.

GOOD DEALS: Many communities offer tons of greatsales over the weekend. In an effort to help readers spend wise, consider a retail story on good deals this weekend. The Sun Times has a nice blog post on that topic. blogs.suntimes.com/shopping/2009/07/more_fourth_of_july_sales_a_qu.html

FOURTH PHOTOS: Send a reporter or intern around town on Saturday and get them to capture how people are spending their time: At parks, pools and around festivals. Run tons of those photos the next day on a special inside page. News is slow over the holiday, so finding space should be easier than during a regular news week. Make a photo gallery of those photos.

READER PHOTOS: While it won't help you for your July 4 day coverage, ask readers to submit photos of their weekend festivities. Here's a news service promotion. It will make for a nice gallery online later next week though.

WHAT THE FOURTH MEANS: Put out a callout today asking readers to share what being American means to them, like the Patriot Ledger did.

OTHER FOURTH OF JULY RESOURCES

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Fourth of July pages