Vegas Independence!

If you are going to Las Vegas for Independence Day, my guess is that you're starting the weekend early by ditching work on Friday. If that's the case, there's no better place to spend the day than at the Ditch Fridays pool party at the Palms.

Now in its third summer season, Ditch Fridays are hosted each week by a different 2008 Playboy centerfold (don't be a goober and ask them to sign mags) with sun-rockin' sounds provided by DJ Twin. High rollers can nab one of the 27 amenity-packed cabanas or one of the two-story bungalows, but this desert oasis is paradise no matter where you lay your towel (though roll in early to snag a free deck chair). There are three pools, a couple waterfalls, several bars, a gaming section and menu options from the N9NE Steakhouse. If you like Miller Lite, even better, because company reps are watching for Miller drinkers to single out for free drinks and VIP access.

Of course, man cannot live on pool parties alone (though it would be fun to try), so the Palms is making a big party of Independence Day weekend. Jay-Z and Ciara will be performing both Friday and Saturday nights at the Palms' Pearl Theater.

Need another reason to come to Las Vegas? Get this -- Stations Casinos is the parent company to many gaming establishments in town, and for the first time in its history, the company will launch massive, simultaneous fireworks displays from nine of its different casinos. While they typically do a fireworks display each year, this will be the first time they do it from so many locations at once.

And lastly, in case you were wondering, Weather.com expects temps to run about 100 degrees this weekend. It's going to be one hot Independence Day party in Vegas!

Photos by Sherieramsgard and Iamnotdoctor courtesy of Flickr.