This is the time of year when we are all [apologies to George M. Cohan] Yankee Doodle Dandies, even those of us who are not born on the Fourth of July. There's plenty to celebrate about our Democracy and plenty to do here in the East this holiday weekend.

Here's a sampling of how we mark the Fourth and say "Happy Birthday, America":

Today through Sunday is the 35th edition of one the most popular Independence Day traditions in the state: The Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival. The huge gathering, at Twin Lakes Park in Unity, attracts more than 150,000 people each year.

There are more than 50 acts performing on four stages; more than 230 artists and craftsmen displaying and selling; more than 150 fine artists featured in two major exhibits. And ahh, he food: Everything from all-American hot dogs to exotic ethnic delicacies. The festival is listed as a top destination in a recent Philadelphia Inquirer article and has won numerous awards for excellence.

Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. There is off site parking and shuttles to the park running from the University of Pittsburgh Greensburg and Saint Vincent College, also in Unity.

For more, including a comprehensive schedule of activities, visit info@artsandheritage.com.

See Weekend Mag today for a story about European sand sculptors Paul Haggard and Remy Geert, who will create a large scale work at the festival.

Kennywood Park, the historic amusement park in West Mifflin, is hosting "Celebrate America!" all week.

In addition to acres of rides and food, look for mimes, jugglers, stilt walkers, magicians, unicyclists and even Uncle Sam performing around the park each day. Guests can relax in Pavilion 23 and enjoy some of the region's most talented bands.

Kenny Kangaroo is Grand Marshal for a parade at 6 each night. At 9:30 each night Zambelli International puts on fireworks, weather permitting, of course. For more, call 412-461-0500. For a compete schedule, visit www.kennywood.com.

Check out Monroeville. The town has had a Fourth of July parade since the Benjamin Harrison administration. And it has gotten bigger with time. Check out the secrets behind this enduring July 4th tradition.

There's no place like home this summer.

Happy birthday, America!