Fourth of July: Upload Your Fireworks Photo, Win a Schiller's Gift Card

You could win a $50 gift card to Schiller's by uploading your favorite July 4th fireworks photo! Our brief guide will help you capture those sparkles in the sky, whether you're using a point-and-shoot or DSLR camera.

Do you like taking photos? Do you want a fun challenge, and a chance to win a $50 gift card to Schiller's Camera and Video in Brentwood? By uploading your favorite July 4th fireworks photo to this article, you'll automatically be entered into a random drawing for the gift card! Your photos will also be showcased across Patch. Just click "Upload Photos" above the article to submit your favorite photo. After the the fireworks have cleared on Independence Day, we at St. Louis Patch will randomly select a winner. This contest will run from June 28 to Tuesday, July 10. How to shoot photographs of fireworks Capturing fireworks on camera is a challenge that can be mastered easily with the right equipment and settings on your camera. Read the …

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UPDATE: Places To Celebrate July 4

Hazelwood has canceled its Fireworks show that was scheduled for dusk.

Illegal Possession of Fireworks Can Result in Fines of $50 to $1,000

An accident-free Fourth of July holiday period for residents and visitors is the goal of a special holiday enforcement program of the St. Louis County Police, according to a Friday morning announcement.

Fireworks violations will be the primary focus of St. Louis County Police patrol officers because of the preventable injuries that result every year from the illegal use of explosive devices. Summonses will be issued to anyone in possession of, using or selling fireworks in St. Louis County, according to an announcement from the department. County Police also will check motorists to reduce the number of drunk drivers on streets and highways. The term “fireworks” in the St. Louis County ordinance covers all combustible or explosives, including sparklers and magic snakes. Fines for the violations range from $50 to $1,000. Officers responding to the sights and sounds of fireworks discharges will seize remaining unexploded devices, as well as …

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Westport Welcomes 2012 With a Bang

Westport Plaza held a fireworks show on New Year's Eve.

2011 came to a close with explosions in Maryland Heights. Westport Plaza held a fireworks show on the last evening of the year. New Year resolutions come hand in hand with a new year. We're curious about your own New Year's resolution. What are you planning to change in 2012? Visiting an exotic location? Planning to lose weight? Learning to cook? Tell us in the comments!

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Fourth of July Events Abound in the St. Louis Area

"Patch" has the scoop on where the parties are to celebrate our nation's freedom.

If you're looking for a way to celebrate the Fourth of July, the St. Louis area has it covered. With a vast array of fireworks displays, parades, live music, fairs and festivals, there's no shortage of activities. Here are five of the largest Independence Day events west of the Mississippi. Fair Saint Louis When: noon–10 p.m. July 2, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 3 and 4 Where: Gateway Arch grounds Parade: 10 a.m. July 2 at the corner of Fourth Street and Washington Avenue Entertainment: Steve Miller Band at 7 p.m. July 2, Maroon 5 at 8 p.m. July 3, Montgomery Gentry at 8 p.m. July 4 Fireworks: 9:15 p.m. July, 2, 3 and 4 Activities: Air shows, live music from local bands, children’s entertainment, concessions O’Fallon Heritage & Freedom Fest …

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Maryland Heights Residents Should Leave Fireworks Displays to the Experts

The use of fireworks is against the law in St. Louis County, but it is permitted in Franklin, Jefferson and St. Charles counties.

If you live in Maryland Heights and were planning to hold your own fireworks display to celebrate the Fourth of July, you may want to think twice. That’s because the sale, use and possession of fireworks in St. Louis County is illegal. “The ban also includes all 91 municipalities included within the county,” said Mac Scott, a county spokesperson. “Violation of the law could cost between $50 and $1,000. The fee is at the discretion of the judge.” Rick Eckhard, a spokesman for the St. Louis County Police Department, said his office steps up patrols around the holiday and typically receives an increased number of calls regarding the use of fireworks. Eckhard did not have any statistics on the number of tickets handed out for fireworks …

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Fireworks at Westport

The Maryland Heights-based plaza held a fire works show on St. Patrick's Day.

Westport held a fireworks show the night of St. Patrick's Day. Maryland Heights got a few shots of sky explosions.

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Patch Picks: Five Nightlife Options for Adults Celebrating St. Patrick's Day

Patch Picks five choices in Maryland Heights for adults to kick back and enjoy a brew or two or a few.

With the St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown St. Louis and other weekend events already passed, it may seem like the Irish holiday has come and gone. But don't hang up your green hats just yet — the real St. Pat's is today. Patch has scouted out five fun options for adults looking to make tonight and this coming weekend memorable. Check the Maryland Heights Patch Directory's Nightlife section for more bars and pubs. Westport Plaza Westport Plaza has a full day scheduled for St. Patty's partiers, kicking off bright and early at 5:30 a.m. with a free breakfast at and climaxing at 8 p.m. with green and gold fireworks. Naturally, plenty of drink specials will run all day and night. Special rates are available at the . HotShots Sports Bar and …

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