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This Independence Day, leave the sparklers and face-painting to the kids and check out these hot ways to fete the Fourth.
Alley Cat
It wouldn't be Fourth of July without a hot dog eating contest. The uptown nightclub/bar's competition tonight is Kobayashi-free, and proceeds go toward sending care packages to U.S. soldiers abroad via www.anysoldier.com. Think you can down the most dogs in 12 minutes? The bar will give away $1,000 in cash and prizes, including a championship belt to the top three finishers.
Jackalope Jacks
It'll be a dog day afternoon on Saturday as the Elizabeth restaurant/bar hosts a pup-friendly parking lot party. Bring your four-legged friends and enjoy live music, cornhole, a dunk tank and barbecue eats. Beer trucks and a Red Bull bar will complete the party. Proceeds benefit Baghdad Pups (www.baghdadpups.com), which helps rescue dogs befriended by U.S. troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Breakfast Club
The three-level uptown '80s club hosts a “Living in America” party Saturday, hosted by Bandy from 107.9-FM The Link's “Matt and Ramona Show.” On special: Red White & Pabst Blue Ribbons for $2. The club boasts a great view of the fireworks at Memorial Stadium.
Blake Hotel
One of the best-kept secrets every Fourth? The parking deck at the Blake. It has one of the best views of the Memorial Stadium fireworks thanks to its location on the edge of uptown. The hotel will host the Red White & Blue Fest on Saturday, featuring an exhibition from the Charlotte Rollergirls and live music. Stick around for the after party inside, featuring a lingerie fashion show (how patriotic).
Loft 1523
Another great spot to watch the fireworks is from the Elizabeth lounge's balcony. It's about two blocks from where the display is set off. The bar is hosting a block party (free admission) along Elizabeth Avenue in the afternoon, featuring beer pong, flip cup and cornhole. Villa Francesca will be serving up $3 pizza slices. The party moves upstairs later in the evening with domestic drink specials all night.
Sign up between 6 and 8 p.m. 314 N. College St. $20 for contestants; $2 entry fee for supporters (includes one hot dog). Free entry with military ID. 704-375-2779. www.thealleycat.com.
2-8 p.m. 1936 E. Seventh St. No cover. 704-347-1918. www.jackalopejacks.com.
8:30 p.m. 225 N. Caldwell. $6 for ladies; $8 for men. www.that80sclub.com.
3 p.m. (After-party starts at 11). 555 S. McDowell St. Free. www.theblakehotel.net.
Block party starts at 4 p.m. 1523 Elizabeth Ave. Free admission to block party; $5 cover upstairs (starting at 6). www.loft1523.com.
