Every year, as Jennie and David Rael work countless hours to prepare for their Independence Day extravaganza, David promises the love of his life that "this is the last year."

"I tell her probably half a dozen times during the day that, you know, this can be our last year, sweetheart, and then the next day, we start preplanning for the next celebration," David said.

"We just can't say no," Jennie added.

It all comes down to their dedication to give credit where credit is due, and there's a lot credit due to our servicemen and first responders, David said.

"We always open up with taps for a reason: Many, many, many Americans, male and female, have gone before us and have protected this great nation," he said.

After taps, all veterans in the crowd are asked to come forward to be honored. While the Rael's never served, they have grown to understand the sacrifices made to keep this country safe and always celebrate their contributions.

David can't even walk past a veteran without stopping to introduce himself and thank them for their service. His dedication to giving personal thanks has led to many special friendships, even if it means his schedule is ever changing as he starts sometimes long conversations with those who have served.

Once the former and current veterans are properly thanked, the party cuts loose. Country western performer Harry Luge will return as the guest entertainer. But this year, for the first time, Luge will be bringing his entire band.

Then, after a prayer, the potluck opens to the public. Last year the Raels served hamburgers and hot dogs. But this year they are turning up the heat on the meal by roasting a half of a beef cow and a whole hog over an open fire. They'll also serve up two giant pots of David's famous baked beans.

The only thing they ask in return is for those attending the old-fashioned potluck to bring a side dish.

"That's key to the meal's success," David said.

Jennie is always surprised by how many of the serving dishes are left behind. She suggests participants put their name on the dish if they wish for it to be returned.

"I always end up with, you know, a few new Tupperware bowls and stuff the next day, because [the participants] never come back. The dishes don't have a name on them. So, yeah, I have a large mish-mash of Tupperware," Jennie said.

As the singing, dancing and eating nears an end, children get their chance to whack piñatas and are traditionally given a gift bag of Fourth of July surprises. A new fun addition this year; the Raels have added a photo booth staffed with a professional photographer for folks wanting a photograph to help remember the day.

Then, when the sun sets, everybody prepares to watch the fireworks display. This year will be the biggest show ever seen in the skies above the tiny northwestern Wyoming town.

David had thought they set the bar last year for the size of the show. However, the Raels decided huge just wasn't big enough. On Friday, July 4, there will be five times more of the largest shells they use, David said. They have also added dozens more of shells that can be seen from miles away, all set to music the Rael's select.

But one thing that won't change this year will be the first song (available on your car stereo) for the show: the Battle Hymn of the Republic.

"That song is extremely poignant to me," David said.

He will be celebrating the show, and can often be found in the crowd acting like an excited little boy on  Christmas morning. His eyes light up with every choreographed shell shot by Caleb and Josh Sanders.

The music grows in intensity until the final song — one that will shake your soul.

"When we finally get to Thunderstruck, you'll know we are in for the grand finale," he said.

Jennie and David are dedicated to the show as a way to say thank you to veterans, first responders and their employees and community for the support they receive at their company, S&L Industrial. There are no sales attempts or politicians pitching their plans at the party, just hundreds of people looking to celebrate with fellow patriots, David said.

"The number one reason behind the party is just the unity in the community and the love for one another. It's a rather peaceful event, but when the fireworks go up, it gets rowdy."

The public is invited to share in the full day of Rael sponsored events.

Cody celebration

The Cody Independence Day celebration will also be held Friday, July 4. The gates will open at 6 p.m., providing a space for the community to come together and celebrate Independence Day. The fireworks show, performed by Powell resident Chris Good's crew, launches at approximately 10 p.m.

What’s more American than a rodeo in the Rodeo Capital of the World? Since the turn of the century, Cody has celebrated July 4 with rodeos and parades. And this year might just be the biggest celebration yet, according to the Park County Travel Council.

"Bring the family to the 106th Annual Cody Stampede Rodeo to celebrate America’s Independence with some old-fashioned Wild West fun! The Cody Stampede features the best cowboys and cowgirls in the rodeo world. Every year they compete for a chance to win not only a big-money prize, but also to cement their legacy as a legend of the Cody Stampede Rodeo," the tourism organization reports.

Each night of the Cody Stampede Rodeo has a different theme. July 1 is Law Enforcement and First Responder Night, July 2 is Breast Cancer Awareness Night, July 3 is Military Appreciation Night, and July 4 is Veteran Appreciation Night. Tickets are always in high demand and sell out fast, especially for the July 3-4 shows.