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The Fourth of July parade passes through downtown Nevada City, CA. Photo via Flickr user Darin Barry.

From the parades that go down main street to watching the fireworks in a nearby park, smart growth strategies and the Fourth of July go hand in hand.

Surprised? You shouldn’t be. The Fourth of July is one of the best days of the year to see great planning and thoughtful community building in action.

While celebrating our nation’s independence, remember to take a look around. Chances are you’re in a public space or great, walkable neighborhood that smart growth strategies can help to create. Or maybe you’re enjoying the holiday with family and friends while taking in the natural beauty of America’s pristine farmland and rolling mountain forests, which smart growth strategies help preserve.

Wherever you’re celebrating, smart growth strategies have helped create and preserve what so many Americans love about their communities. Great neighborhoods don’t happen by chance – they take a commitment to planning for and building a better country. From sea to shining sea, America is blessed with a wealth of unique urban, suburban and rural places. These places are the basis for our economy, our families and celebrations like the Fourth of July. Smart growth strategies help make these places the best they can be and ensure they remain that way for future generations.

Send us photos of your town on the Fourth of July! Does your town hold its celebrations along main street, downtown, in a public square or in a great neighborhood park? If so, we want to know about it! Post your photos on our Facebook page, Tweet photos to @smartgrowthusa or email them to info smartgrowthamerica org. Show us your great neighborhood in action – and happy Fourth!