Independence Day your way

It’s no wonder that the Fourth of July is one of our most revered holidays; festivities largely consist of being submerged in water as much as possible, drinking, hot dogs, drinking, hamburgers and then lighting explosives on fire. There’s little-to-no formality, everyone gets all sappy with nostalgia, and it’s pretty low-stress (unless you work in the emergency room). This weekend, the city has a variety of activities to choose from, whether you’re looking for something traditional or less so:

Kick off America’s birthday with an … English sport? Well, sure. On Saturday, July 2, the Old Sacramento Living History Program brings it back to the 1850s with an old-timey picnic followed by a game of croquet at the Fourth of July Picnic and Croquet Game at the Sacramento History Museum (101 I Street) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a free event; find out more at http://sachistorymuseum.org or by calling (916) 808-7059.

Later that night, set the mood with a screening of Top Gun, a movie about Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer and their quest to discover which one of them is the dominant beach-volleyball player. There is also a subplot about becoming Navy pilots. Admission is $8-$10 and the screening starts at 7:30; visit www.crestsacramento.com or call (916) 476-3356 for more information.

On Sunday, July 3, Revolution Wines (2831 S Street) will be hosting a Rosé, White and Blue Party during brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. where they will be pairing their long-awaited cinsault rosé with blue foods. Plus, there will be special pricing on bottles of white so you can carry the party straight on into the Fourth. Visit http://rev.wine to find out more.

If you’re looking for a more traditional Fourth, there are always the classics: The Folsom Pro Rodeo takes place from Saturday, July 2, through Monday, July 4, and comes with all the trappings: a rodeo, mutton busters, a fair, big hair and big hats, motocross and fireworks. Tickets range from $15.50-$49.50 and events take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. each night at the Dan Russell Rodeo Arena (403 Stafford Street). Call (916) 985-2698 or go to www.folsomprorodeo.com for more information.

For more city-centric festivities, the fourth annual Fourth on the Field kicks off at 6 p.m. at Raley Field (400 Ballpark Drive in West Sacramento). There will be live music, food trucks and a kids area; bring a blanket for the fireworks and enjoy the best seats in the house. Tickets are $5-$15 and can be purchased at https://raleyfieldsite.wordpress.com or by calling (916) 376-4676.