Life, liberty and the pursuit of quality rain gear

One day a year, Better off Soaked HQ becomes prime real estate. The block gets roped off with police tape, cars are moved off the street and grills, tables, yard games and neighbors come together. We drink all day, eat too much and avoid dirty stares from cars driving by, filled with suburban families who come into the city and can't find a parking spot to enjoy the fireworks and live concert at the art museum. For the first time ever, Fourth of July featured karaoke in someone's living room. For the second year in a row, we watched the light show from the roofdeck under umbrellas. One person's annoying is another's opportunity.

Without further ado, we present you with a medley of Philadelphia's Independence Day celebration carnage.