"Living in a community with so many military residents ... I really want to show my appreciation," said Chiu, an attorney who plans to don a red, white and blue outfit today, and hang American flags throughout her home.

Many patriotic Americans will likely mark this most American of holidays like Chiu and her loved ones, taking in a parade and fireworks show.

If you haven't yet figured it out, don't fret. We've got a few suggestions, including a barbecue recipe, a craft project for the keiki and a listing of fairs and festivals for party revelers. Happy Fourth to all!

Independence Day trivia

Think you know all there is to know about July Fourth? Test your knowledge by taking this quiz, with information from the Census Bureau and ushistory.org.

1. On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, starting the 11 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. True or False

2. Complete this phrase from the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are __, __ and __."

3. How many hot dogs are Americans expected to eat today alone? A. 10 million; B. 75 million; C. 150 million

Flying your flag

On no other day is it more appropriate to proudly display Old Glory. Here's how to do it properly, courtesy the Independence Hall Association's ushistory.org Web site.

• When the flag is hung from a staff, the stars should be at the very peak of the staff.

• When the flag is attached to a wall or window, it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out. When displayed either horizontally or vertically, the stars should be at top and to the observer's left.

For more information, including how to fold the flag and details from the Flag Code, visit www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html.

Light up the grill

Grilling today? Consider this recipe for Korean-style BBQ Short Ribs from Food Network's "BBQ with Bobby Flay" show:

4 large short ribs

2 scallions, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup sesame oil

1 teaspoon sesame seeds

2 tablespoons sugar

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon sake (recommended: Han Soju)

Score ribs every 1/2-inch along the length and width of the bone.

Combine the remaining ingredients to make the marinade. Pour the marinade over the ribs and push the sauce into the cuts so it gets all the way down to the bone. Marinate for a minimum of two hours.

Remove the ribs from the marinade and barbecue over a charcoal grill. The dish makes four servings.

For more barbecue recipes and Independence Day dishes, go to foodnetwork.com.

Out and about

What's the Fourth of July without a parade, festival or fireworks show? Head out to one of these happenings:

• Army's 4th of July Spectacular, 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Sills Field, Schofield Barracks; also, fireworks, 8:30 p.m.; free. www.mwrarmyhawaii.com.

• Kailua 4th of July Independence Day Parade, 10 a.m. to noon, from Kainalu Drive/'Oma'o Street to Kailua Intermediate School; also, Sixth Twilight Airshow, 6 p.m. and fireworks, 7:45 p.m., Kailua Beach Park; free. 261-2727.

• July 4th Entertainment, noon to 8:30 p.m., Ala Moana Center; also, Ala Moana Center Fourth of July Fireworks, 8:30 p.m.; free. 955-9517.

• McKenna Motors BayFest 2005, noon to midnight, Kane'ohe Marine Corps base; also, fireworks, 10:30 p.m.; $5 adults and $3 kids 4 to 10 before 5 p.m. at the gate ($15 and $10 after 5 p.m.); $10 and $7.50 ($8 group rate) through Ticketmaster; free for keiki 3 and younger. (877) 750-4400, ticketmaster.com.

• Block Party and Fireworks Spectacular, for military-affiliated and Department of Defense personnel, family members and sponsored guests, 2 to 9 p.m., Naval Station Pearl Harbor; also, fireworks, 8:30 p.m.; free. 473-0606.