The 2009 list of recommended 4th of July fireworks from The American Pyrotechnics Association looks beyond the obvious big-city picks. But just because they're not in New York, D.C., or San Francisco, doesn't mean they're not crowded events. Strategizing how to stake out space for a picnic with a view has become the great American 4th of July challenge. To up the ante, the 4th falls on a Saturday this year, so we'll see even bigger turnouts. I've called up every single one of the towns hosting these top shows to see what they suggest for premium picnicking...

(Note: As seen below, many fireworks shows are taking place Friday, July 3.)

Let Freedeom Sing, Nashville,TN

Addison, Texas
Kaboom Town
July 3, Fireworks: 9:35 pm
Picnicking: In a town that's 4.5 square miles, there aren't a lot of secrets, and that includes parks. On 4th of July that's especially true because the population swells from 15,000 to about 200,000. The main park Addison Circle will be packed, so show up early to get a spot. Beckert Park is adjacent and will have a Blue Grass band.

Branson, Missouri
Libery Light Up Celebration
July 3
Picnicking: This fireworks show among fountains takes place on Branson Landing, which is a boardwalk along the shores of Taneycomo Lake. There's lots of sitting room on the shores and on grassy patches along the boardwalk.

Chicago, Illinois
Independence Eve Fireworks Spectacular
July 3, Fireworks: 9 pm
Picnicking: Sprawl out by the Frank Gehry Bandshell in Millennium Park. When dusk falls, walk closer to the shoreline to see the sky show. Or it's been said you can see the show from a comfortable distance in the northern beaches such as Fullerton or North Avenue Beach.

Columbus, Ohio
Red, White & Boom!
July 3, Fireworks: 10 pm
Picnicking: To get away from the thickest crowd, try Goodale Park. If you get there mid-day you should be fine, but by fireworks time it'll be filled up.

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Independence Day Celebration
July 3, Fireworks: 9:20 pm
Picnicking: Get to the Presidential Parking Garage early (opens at 7 am), or be prepared to walk a long way from your car to Mount Rushmore National Memorial.


NPS photo

Stone Mountain Park, GA
Fantastic Fourth Celebration
July 3, 4, 5
Picnicking: "The Laser Lawn" is a big grassy area perfect for playing ball and eating all day long. Ample room for all.

Charlotte, North Carolina
Red, White & Boom
July 4
Picnicking: The fireworks are low, so you don't want to get too far away. Hawthorne Park is the best place to be, but that means be early in and late to leave.

Falmouth, Massachusetts
4th of July Fireworks 2009
July 4, Fireworks: 8:45 pm
Picnicking: The Falmouth Heights Ballpark in Cape Cod is a wonderful place to picnic, with enough space for sports and picnic blankets. Run across the street to the beach to dip into the ocean to cool off.

Las Vegas, Nevada
Fireworks by Station Casinos
July 4, Fireworks: about 9 pm
Picnicking: Nine hotels throughout Vegas are coordinating fireworks, so they'll be visible all across the city. Desert Breeze Park is one idea for a picnic, but any of the parks across town will do.

Nashville, Tennessee
Let Freedom Sing
July 4, Fireworks: 9 pm
Picnicking: The only real picnic option is along the riverfront where everyone goes, but if you get there by 4 pm, you should find a decent spot.

Oahu, Hawaii
Ala Moana Center Fireworks Show
July 4
Picnicking: The hotspots are Ala Moana Park and the parking lot of the Ala Moana Center, a shopping mall. If you're adventurous, you're allowed to camp out on the park beach the night before. If you're not, just get there very early and take a cab or bus to save yourself a headache.

South Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Star Spangled 4th - Lights on the Lake
July 4
Picnicking: The main spots are Reagan or Nevada beaches, and those draw the crowd. You may want to have your picnic at Camp Richardson or Pope Beach and see if you can catch a view of the fireworks from there.


Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority

If your favorite 4th of July spot is missing from this year's American Pyrotechnics Association list, share below where the best Independence Day picnicking is in your opinion...

And check out these Great Grilling Tips for the 4th of July.