The Fourth of July comes with fireworks shows and revelry across the New Orleans metro. The big picture: It's a busy weekend all around with Essence Fest also taking place across downtown. Be smart: It's illegal for residents to shoot fireworks in Orleans Parish and most of Jefferson Parish.

With nearly all of the aerial shells, paper rockets and sparkly fountains that fuel America’s Fourth of July celebrations being imported from China, volunteer groups like Johnson’s and cities big and small have been closely watching the negotiations.

Turn-of-the-century-style festivities are set from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, July 4 at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road. Poway Mayor Steve Vaus will kick off the fun with a speech in the park’s gazebo at 10 a.m.