The flags and banners along 66th Street East near Veterans Memorial Park were hung with care this last week in anticipation of the Richfield Hometown 4th of July Celebration.

As a Richfield native, I've participated in nearly every aspect of the celebration from singing along to The Rockin' Hollywoods' version of "Pretty Woman" at the annual street dance to oohing and awing over the fireworks display. (However, I don't miss the marching in the parade during my high school cheerleading days. Awful tanlines.)

The festivities kicked off with the annual carnival on Saturday and will end with the Richfield Ambassador Coronation July 5, with plenty of fun, family friendly activities to enjoy in between.

I want to know what your favorite part of the extravaganza is. Is it the mini donuts at the carnival? Taking in the view of classic cars? Enjoying live music with a beverage in hand? The fireworks?

For me, it's the way the celebration evokes childhood memories. Daddy used to take my sister and I to the parade and then to the Richfield Pool every year. Then we would ajourn to the American Legion parking lot for brats, burgers, chips and a couple of Cokes. (Well, beer for Dad.) From there we'd hit the carnival for a couple games, enjoy the music in the park and then stake out a spot to watch the fireworks. Sometimes we'd walk to my uncle's house on 68th Street and 10th Avenue for a bit, too.

Tell me your favorite part in the comments section below.

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I'll be setting up shop with others at Monday's Family Night event. I'll have some kids coloring activities, Patch goodies, a gift card contest and collecting newsletter signups. I'll also volunteering at a checkpoint from 3-5:30 p.m. during the Car Show and Street Dance events Tuesday night. Stop by!

For a full guide of all this year's events, see our "2012 Richfield Fourth of July Guide."