By: burgundy bug
Liberty Bell at Rose Tree Park
Source: Rose Tree Park | Penelope Peru Photography p3
No plans? No problem. There are still plenty of ways you can express your love and loyalty in our country on a whim or a budget.
A Bit of Context…
243 years ago, our founding fathers – George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, James Monroe, and Benjamin Franklin, to name a few – declared their independence from England.
The Declaration of Independence was signed on August 2, 1776 in Philadelphia, according to the Constitution Center.
To this day, the original copy of The Declaration of Independence remains in Washington D.C.’s National Archives Museum.
Celebrating 4th of July on the Fly
Rev Up That BBQ
Vegan or not, it’s time to get that grill firey and hot. After all, what’s more American than a savory BBQ?
Grab your hot dogs, sausages, burgers, fruits, and veggies, and get cookin! Even if it’s an impromptu cookout, there’s bound to be a grocery or convenience store in the area open with enough supplies for you to revel in a festive feast.
Baby You’re a Firework
Firework by Katy Perry music video
Source: Katy Perry – Firework (Official) | Katy Perry
Never fear, the fireworks are here, there, and just about everywhere today. There are plenty of places you can catch fireworks at: major cities, high schools, you name it.
While many fireworks shows have paid admission for front row seats, there’s nothing stopping you from rubbernecking on the highway to catch an eye full of the color and beauty tonight.
Don’t feel like venturing too far out of your backyard? Depending on your state’s laws, you could purchase your own fireworks.
Firework Safety
However, you can’t go lighting fireworks all willy-nilly. In spite of their awestriking looks, they are incredibly dangerous.
Be sure to abide by the laws in your area and remember…
- Fireworks are not a toy. Keep far away from children and do not purchase or use fireworks unless you are an adult yourself.
- You must have permission. Fireworks should not be used unless you have an explicit green-light from the property owner.
- You must be sober. This may sound like common sense, but you’d be surprised. Since fireworks and partying go hand in hand, make sure that you have a designated fireworks person on the property that is sober and apt to handle the task.
- You must have space. Fireworks should be used at least 150 feet from occupied buildings and can not be shot from a building or moving vehicle.
If fireworks are prohibited in your state or impractical to use in your yard, many states allow novelties like sparklers.
Before purchasing anything, be sure to read up on what’s legal and what isn’t in your area.
Celebrate With Others
Fourth of July is a time for celebration, so why have a party of one?
Call your friends, family, colleagues and coworkers. Invite them over for a BBQ, drinks, good music, and fireworks (safely and legally).
No friends? No problem. Whether it’s too short of notice to throw a party, your guest list isn’t sorted out quite yet, or you simply don’t feel like cleaning up the aftermath of an Independence Day celebration, parades and festivals are always an option.
There are plenty of free events you can scope out in the area, you just have to know how to find them. Sites like EventBrite, Eventzilla, and Google are your best friend.
When in Doubt, Marathon it Out
Let’s face it – parties, festivals, parades, and barbecues aren’t for everyone, but the only thing more American than a BBQ is a good ol’ fashion Netflix binge. In fact, Statista reports that over 60 million Americans have a Netflix subscription, and hundreds of millions have a cable TV subscription. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the average American watches about three hours of television a day.
There are a number of patriotic movies you could marathon, but if you want to stay up-to-date on modern American politics, you could always watch part one and part two of the Democratic Party’s first debate.
Democratic Presidential Debate part one
Source: Democratic Presidential Debate – June 26 (Full) | NBC News | NBC News
Democratic Presidential Debate part two
Source: Democratic Presidential Debate – June 27 (Full) | NBC News | NBC News
In Conclusion
Fourth of July is a staple of our democracy. It pays homage to the founding of our country and celebrates the roots of America.
However, you don’t need some grand, elaborate plan in order to enjoy Fourth of July. All it takes is a little BBQ, some fireworks, friends, family, or a good ol’ fashion night of Netflix and chilling.
“Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards, and which incorporates itself with the grapes to be changed into wine; a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy!”
Benjamin Franklin, 1818 (Quote Investigator)
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