These three boys were trying to decide what fireworks to buy, and this looked like a good deal. From left are Josh Fretheim, 13, Valley City; Chayton Dubois, 9 ½, Devils Lake; and Nicholas Fretheim, 11. There are several places in town to buy fireworks for the Fourth of July, which is Friday. (Jean Schlegel/VCTR)

By Steve Browne
Valley City Times-Record

If gas prices have you planning to stay in the area for the Fourth of July, you’ve got lots to do – but don’t have too much fun before driving, or appoint a designated driver.
This Fourth of July weekend, the North Dakota Highway Patrol will be scheduling saturation patrols in certain areas to deter impaired driving, as part of Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort.)
The community of Verona will celebrate its 125th birthday the July 4 weekend. A parade begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
Hannaford will also have a parade at 11 a.m., July 4, followed by a community picnic.
There will be a fireworks display at Sibley Crossing, Saturday, July 5, at dusk.
Valley City has a custom of deferring to Sanborn for Fourth of July plans, and with good reason.
Sanborn’s Fourth of July parade begins at 10 a.m. on Friday. Following the parade there will be kids races on foot, on bikes and a three-legged race.

For full story, see the Tuesday's edition of the Valley City Times-Record.