Happy fourth.

3 ads that are essential to the great American cookout.

You can't have a cookout without Coca-Cola, Lays, and Old Bay. These ads sum up this uniquely American experience.

Cookouts, fireworks, and good old 50%-off sales. These are the makings of a solid Fourth of July celebration.

But let's get away from the discount tactics of bad advertising and take a look at some great ads from brands essential to the Independence Day experience.

Coca-Cola's "They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To. We Do."

There are three things I remember about my grandfather.

He was a die-hard Elvis fan, he liked the way things used to be, and he loved a cold can of coke on a hot summer day.

Coca-Cola is one of those brands that has stood the test of time.

This ad's copy leans into that.

"They don't make 'em like they use to," is a common way to express nostalgia.

The thing about coke is that they haven't changed since 1886.

Just the way folks like my grandpa like it.

Lays "Happiness is simple"

Who doesn't like a fried potato?

This super food is an American classic and for over 75 years, Lays has been a top-shelf maker of the crunchy, salty snack we call the chip.

But Lays doesn't sell fried potatos.

They sell happiness.

And that's exactly what this ad does.

Happiness is simple. Just three ingredients. Have a chip.

Old Bay's "The Can That Connects Us"

In Maryland the fourth of July is all about laying newspaper on picnic tables.

Why?

The blue crab.

This Chesapeake Bay staple is only made better by an iconic seasoning called Old Bay that's been around for over 75 years.

This campaign lays it all out.

Doesn't matter who you are or what you believe, when you sit down at this table you're a Marylander and that's all that matters.