Fourth of July

4^th of July

 

SUNRISE SALUTE

Team with a First Responders Unit, Police Department, City Council, etc. to hold a Sunrise Flag Raising. Pre-promote heavily on the air inviting listeners to honor America by attending. Invite local TV to cover. (2019)

 

I DECLARE – THIS IMAGING IS GREAT

Have talent read lines from the Declaration of Independence to run as top of the hour imaging, every hour. (2019)

 

PLAYING THE GREATEST COUNTRY FOR THE GREATEST COUNTRY

Play number one songs at the top and bottom of every hour from the past 20/30 years depending on your target. Classic Country can go back to the 60’s. Very sell-able. Let sales know. (2019)

 

WE’LL DECORATE YOUR LAWN FOR THE FOURTH

Register listeners to win lawn decoration via random drawing. Sell the idea to a landscaping/lawn service company. To decorate, use cardboard cutouts of stars and then fill the cutouts with red, white, and blue construction marking spray paint. (2019)

 

4TH OF JULY LINGO BINGO

This takes a big of work but can involve multiple sponsors and create extended/engaged listening. Create Bingo cards with various alignments of patriotic symbols: flags, presidents, fireworks, etc. Listeners download and print template from the website. Station announces one of these elements hourly (easy to do even if voice tracked). Instead of an “X,” listeners record the time of the word. Listeners completing a 4th of July Lingo Bingo Card (all boxes with a time) take a picture and email to us. Randomly drawn winner receives a prize. Here’s a link where you can generate FREE bingo cards. (2019)

 

TRAVELING PATRIOTIC PHOTO BOOTH

OK, it’s not really a photo booth but a backdrop of something local and patriotic: flag in front of a local courthouse, shot of fireworks, etc.  Sell 90 minute pop-up remotes to businesses that sell 4th-related merchandise – from snack and party foods to summer wear. (2019)

 

IF YOU BAKE IT, THEY WILL COME

Sell a bakery/supermarket on making red, white and blue items. Offer special prices like 17 pieces at 76 cents each.  (2018)

 

LET FREEDOM RING POSTER

Cut giant poster of “Let Freedom Ring” into segments that the team can take around and have listeners sign. Also you can use this as an incentive to buy a remote. Find a place to display the pieced-together finished project. Or, perhaps a truck that pulls advertising posters on its bed would work with us. (July 4, 2017)

 

 

UNCLE SAM FANTASY JAM

Run this sponsorable on-air “Concert” over the July 4^th holiday. Incorporate live recordings, studio recordings with concert-goer effects, artist and “concert attendees,” etc. (July 4 2017)

 

4^TH OF JULY SPECIAL IMAGING

Listeners recite one word of pledge; piece together the audio for imaging over the 4^th weekend. Also works with National Anthem, Declaration of Independence. Be sure to get first responders involved (July 4, 2017)

 

COUNTRY MUST BE COUNTRY WIDE

All weekend feature songs that have a mention of one or more states in the lyrics.  Create special imaging for each “state song.” Sellable. (July 4 2017)

 

FACEBOOK LIVE FLAG-RAISING AND FIREWORKS

Send station talent to local flag raising and/or fireworks display for a Facebook Live presentation. (July 4 2017)

 

SHOW YOUR FLAG, WIN SOME SWAG

Several ways to go – listeners post shots of their flag/decorations on social with hashtag and randomly selected posts win station swag and coupons from sponsors. Or send statoin vehicle around to randomly distribue swag bags to houses, cars, etc. displaying flags. (July 4 2017)

 

FAMOUS QUOTE QUIZ

Instagram/Snapchat game; listeners receive a patriotic quote or photo of someone important in country’s history with each message. Listeners identify the image or source of quote. Plan to send multiple messages per day for the first through fourth. (July 4 2016)

 

FOUNDERS FACTS

Listeners sign up to receive 20 sponsored texts July 1-4, each with a fact about one of the Founding Fathers. (July 4 2016)

 

ONE STOP FOR FOURTH INFO

Create web page listing all area activities. Also sell sponsors a “line and a link” on the page where they can post a sentence and a link to their 4^th of July sale, event or promotion. Run from June 4 to July 4. (July 4 2016)

 

FIFTY SONG SALUTE

Play 50 #1 songs in a row (one for each state) for 50 hours.  Make easy tie-ins when you can:  states that are mentioned in songs or are the home state of the singer, writer, etc. or are simply the 15^th state (Kentucky) when you play the 15^th number one song of the set.  Mix up eras but don’t stray too far off-brand. Sponsorable as a special event. (July 4 2016)

 

DECLARATION OF IMAGING

Have each talent on the station read part of the end of the Declaration of Independence. Produce it up appropriately. Here’s a part of the text that could be used. (July 4 2016)

 

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

 

Paste the entire document online.

 

 

NAILING IT ON THE FOURTH

Sell a nail salon a month long schedule leading up to the fourth where patriotic patterns and colors are promoted or on special.  Bring in friends and every ‘fourth’ person gets their nails done free. (July 4 2015)

 

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE ON DISPLAY…

…on your website.  Add some patriotic quotes and sell a sponsorship for the page and weekend. Consider adding a sponsored trip to Washington, DC to see the document. (July 4 2015)

 

HOW DID YOU SPEND YOUR 4^TH?

Listeners submit selfies and photos of themselves/family friends celebrating the holiday. Randomly selected winners receive $17.76 credit from local ice cream store to ‘keep the celebration going.’ (July 4 2015)

 

THE LOADED COOLER

Sell various merchants a promotion where a large cooler is filled with 4^th of July picnic supplies: from cups and flatware to food to drinks. Give away as many as you can sell. Consider an add-on of a couple of night stay at a nice destination at the end of the summer. (July 4 2015)

 

 (YOUR TOWN) THE BEAUTIFUL

Use the phone and social media to collect listeners’ thoughts on why living in their town is special and turn into imaging or sponsored quickies. Alternate camera angle: organize local clean-ups for a ‘take pride in your town/take pride in America’ event. (July 4 2014)

 

MOST PATRIOTIC BIKE PARADE/RALLY

Organize a bike parade or rally where prizes are awarded for best decorated bikes. Depending on your budget/sponsorships, prizes could range from American flags to a drop to Washington, DC or nearby iconic American landmark. (July 4 2014)

 

FLAG US DOWN

Station van makes stops passing out American flags of various sizes. Sponsorable. (July 4 2014)

 

LOUD AND PROUD FOR AMERICA

Invite listeners to say why they love America and air these leading up to the 4^th. Use an unused extension to record their voice mail messages. Play these back leading up to and over the July 4^th holiday. Sponsorable. (July 4 2013)

 

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL        

Pinterest type idea with listeners posting their best shots of America. Can have separate divisions for outdoor, kids, patriotic, etc. Award a trip to a National Monument (or similar) as a prize if you like. Sponsorable. (July 4 2013)

 

U-S-A – DO WE NEED TO SPELL IT OUT?

Arrange for listeners to gather at a football field, park, etc. and place them so to spell out USA. Be sure to get overhead shots and invite TV coverage. Sell a sponsorship to a soft drink, hot dog supplier, grocer, etc. to supply food to attendees. Get people to commit to showing up via on-air soliciting for the U/wear a red shirt, the S wear a white shirt, etc.

 

TUNES FOR THE TROOPS

A week or two before the 4^th, arrange collection points where listeners can drop off CDs and/or music download cards, or make a donation that will go to the purchase of music for our troops. Sell if you like to a “Mailboxes, etc.” or similar client that will arrange for the shipping.

 

THE BEST THING ABOUT AMERICA IS…

Listeners leave response on the station’s Freedom Phone; use what they say for imaging.

 

WORDS OF FREEDOM

Texting contest for the 4^th. Each hour, play a sweeper with a different word that celebrates America/the 4^th; listeners text in to win appropriate prize from contest sponsor via a drawing on the 5^th. Example: “This hour’s 4^th of July word is ‘Brave.’ The ‘home of the brave’ isn’t just a nice lyric, it describes the type of people who had the courage to face the great personal risk that accompanied the birth of America. Text ‘brave’ now to (number) to win an American made wardrobe from…”

 

PICTURES OF AMERICA

Each day leading up to the 4^th, a different iconic photo of America is posted online. Listeners email back what it is using the subject line. All correct answers are entered in drawing to win trip to an historic location. Enter each day for increased chances to win.

 

CELEBRATING AMERICA

Create (very) quick vignettes on America’s Greatest Moments and run them from the first through the fourth.

 

ENJOY THE FIRE WORKS WITH FIRED ‘WURTS

Sell a grocery store or similar on sponsoring your vehicle distributing Brats for the 4^th.

 

BIKERS SALUTE AMERICA

Online photo contest for most patriotically decorated bike. Invite all decorated bikes to participate in your area’s 4^th of July parade (will take some work up front to determine if possible and the logistics). If the parade doesn’t come off, consider just organizing a gathering with a community minded spin, like meeting at a park and cleaning it up. Approach a cycle dealer to be a co-sponsor.

 

FOUR FOR THE FOURTH

Listeners submit their four favorite songs with submissions chosen at random and played. You could put a charity spin by ‘selling’ the requests to offset the cost of your city’s fireworks, a cleanup project, a new flag for the Municipal Building, etc.

 

CELEBRATE FREEDOM

Listeners are encouraged to upload pictures of how they celebrated the 4^th. No prizes, just a photo sharing op. Do sell a page sponsorship.

 

BORN IN THE USA

Month long/weeklong sales campaign for advertisers promoting specific items in their store that are made in America and are exceptional values.

 

FIIRED-WORKS

Set up a free “Looking for Positions” on your website for the month for people who are still seeking employment.

 

EXEMPLIFYING THE AMERICAN SPIRIT

Lead up to the fourth with listeners’ nominations for people they know that embody the spirit of our country and a few sentences why. Have a sponsor that awards prizes. Listeners can nominate by text, email, or phone.

 

4^TH OF JULY IN YOUR TOWN

Listeners post their 4^th of July pictures on a special page on the station website. Offer prizes for the snaps listeners vote for in various categories: best kids’ picture, most Normal Rockwell-esque, most patriotic, best float, best costume, etc.

 

GRILL-ZILLA

Register listeners to win a top flight grill and 50 pounds of meat. Plus everything they need to have 20 friends over for a grill out on the 4^th. Use these ‘add ons’ to sell additional sponsorships.

 

VIRTUAL FIREWORKS

If you’re town isn’t having fireworks, offer a virtual show combining still photos of your town interspersed with video clips of fireworks or one of numerous free downloads that produce simulated fireworks on your screen. Sell to sponsor that registers listeners to either attend an area fireworks show or a trip to big city for their celebration.

 

BEST ALL AMERICAN BURGER COMPETITION

Listeners submit recipe and photos of their greatest burger creations to win free meat (or for vegans, vegetables) for a year. Voting is done online and by celebrity chef, butcher, etc. Multiple categories possible: most ingredients, most unusual, best non-meat burger, best photo, etc. Sell to grocer, meat market, merchant that specializes in outdoor, etc.

 

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

Listeners post/send in their most beautiful photos of places they’ve been in America. Professional photographer judges along with listeners. Appropriate sponsor prizes include photo software, discount hotel coupons, gas cards, books on photography, cameras, adult education class in photography or software, etc.

 

SOUNDTRACK FOR THE CELEBRATION

Partner with a local fireworks display to provide the official soundtrack for the celebration. Encourage everybody to tune you in for their own “simulcast.”

 

PARTY IN THE PARK

Host a party in a local park. Partner with catering company/restaurant/grocery store/butcher/beverage distributor, etc. Broadcast from the event, play games and give away prizes. Hold an apple-pie-eating contest for moms. Bonus points if the park has a good view of a fireworks show. If it doesn’t, this can still be a great daytime event.

 

MADE IN AMERICA (CANADA)

Sell holiday remote at a car dealership, playing off the “made in America” (Canada) theme. Register all who attend to win airline tickets for 2 to anywhere in the country.

 

“CELEBRATE THE 4^TH ON 5^TH”

Possible theme for a multi-client, all-day remote if you have a 5^th street with strong retail or restaurant presence. Hold one day during the weekend when the businesses are open.

 

4^TH OF JULY PARTY PATRIOTS

Sell to beverage, ice cream, snack distributor. Station interns randomly visit listeners’ parties to pass out refreshments, free CDs, do call-backs. Listeners register online to win a visit.

 

USA VIP

Arrange for priority seating at local fireworks display (municipal donation could be required). Or give away inexpensive beach towels or folding chairs for listeners to use while watching fireworks.

 

WEAR THE STARS AND STRIPES

Create classy T-shirts that salute America and station. Include a sponsor imprint to off-set cost. Make them a collector’s item by producing a limited number each year.

 

“CELL-ABRATE” AMERICA

Sell cell phone company patriotic-themed promotion that touts their nationwide long distance service. Give away year’s service (write a check) and trip to Washington, D.C., Mt Rushmore, etc. Idea: 50-state trivia, “Real Town or Put Down” (strange town names), etc.

 

THE GREATEST MUSIC FROM THE GREATEST COUNTRY

Through the 4th of July weekend, give away greatest hits CDs and qualify listeners to win a trip to Nashville (Music City USA).

 

IMAGING IDEA: “WHAT AMERICA MEANS TO ME”

Record listeners’ comments about what they love most about being an American and run all weekend.

 

UNCLE SAM JAM

Work with a local band, club, etc. for an afternoon/night of free music, red, white and blue balloons, etc. Be sure to play some patriotic music during the set, too.

 

4^th of July Parade Participation

Offer station vehicle, talent, equipment to participate in July 4^th parades in hot zip areas. Pass out small flags, water bottles with station logos. Toss key rings with redeemable coupons attached: station logo on one side and client’s name and offer on the other. Or attach station contest info.  Other ideas:

 

Boom Box Parade

Your “float” in the parade is listeners carrying boom boxes playing patriotic music you simulcast on the station.

 

American as Apple Pie

Pass out “personal” apple pies along the parade route (cut a deal with Wonder, Hostess, etc.).

 

Notable Quotables

Pass out 8-1/2 x 11 sheets with famous patriotic quotes.

 

Town Crier

Dress DJ in colonial garb as town crier and have him/her read the Declaration of Independence along the parade route.

 

After the Show

Host wacky, post-parade event, like lizard races, frog jumping contests, rubber duck race, cherry-spitting contest, etc.

 

Private Fireworks Party

Team with restaurant/bar with a patio that has view of your town’s fireworks. Give away a private party for folks that evening.

 

Take Stock In America Celebrate 4^th of July with a patriotic give away: US Savings Bonds. Good tie in with a bank or local corporation who might also add a few shares of their own stock.

 

4th of July Banner 
Rent plane to pull old-fashioned banners around with a station message.

 

National Independence Day Parade

Send a family to D.C. for the 4^th weekend to participate in parade. Get info at www.july4thparade.com.

 

“Independence” Day Listeners register to win “independence” from bills, mortgages, etc. Qualify for grand prize – the pay-off of bill up to $1000 – by winning one day’s independence (1/31^st) of a July bill.

 

“All-American Giveaway Weekend”

Give away “All-American Prize Packs” like baseball game tickets, autographed balls from local team, hotdogs, apple pies (sell to McDonald’s, supermarket, bakery, etc.)

 

RED, WHITE AND BLUE DEALS

Car dealer gives special prices on all red, white or blue cars in stock. Also works with clothes, ice cream, appliances, etc.