It’s officially July! That means we’re just about ready to celebrate our All American 4th of July holiday. Summer would truly be incomplete without the festivities and flag waving that comes with celebrating Independence Day. This holiday commemorates an official union of ties between the original 13 colonies of America and Great Britain. Having freed itself from the rule of Great Britain 235 years ago, on the 4th of July, The United States of America have been celebrating this occasion ever since. Apart from the literal meaning of this day, Independence Day has also come to represent the core of our beliefs and the makeup of our identity as citizens of the United States.
To honor the independence of our 13 states, here are a combined list of fun and unique activities for you to celebrate this holiday safely and without breaking the bank.
What’s the first thing you think of when you hear about the 4th July?
1. Fireworks
Of course! America has been celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence by lighting fireworks since its first anniversary in 1777. Nothing excites us more than the explosion of colorful lights overhead with patriotic music playing in the background. You can add a traditional ‘spark’ to your holiday celebrations with a firework display at home by making your own sparklers. If you are concerned about your pets at home then check out local websites to find out what fireworks-safe spots are available near you. Here is a list of the 10 biggest fireworks displays in the country.
If you are not actively participating in the fireworks, you can most certainly still enjoy the displays. Plan a yummy Summer night picnic with these quick and fun 4th of July snacks to host at the park or the backyard. Either way, show your spirit with an American flag picnic blanket. Perfect for a family activity!
2. Visit a Historic Landmark
Honor the history of our great country by visiting a monument or landmark. Take your kids along and take lots of pics. Get your followers involved by going live or posting pictures on your Instagram stories with fun facts, or have them guess where you are by posting obscure pictures of monuments and/or landmarks. Here are a couple of landmarks that celebrate the independence of our country:
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, NY
Located in Oyster Bay, roughly a 450-minute drive from Manhattan on Long Island’s North Shore, Sagamore Hill is a gorgeous Queen Anne-style home that was Roosevelt’s home for decades, his summer home whilst he was president
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, KY
Located on the borders of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, and features a rich collection of historic settler buildings, panoramic landscapes and amazing rock formations. This July 4th commemorates 50 years since the park’s dedication, so they have decided to be very festive and host a series of events and activities.
The National Mall, Washington, D.C.
The Independence Day Parade begins at 11:45 and makes its way along Constitution Avenue. The parade route moves westward from Seventh Street to 17th Street and includes many fun things to see such as floats, balloons, marching bands, and military units.
More information about this day can be found at: www.nps.gov/mall/planyourvisit/4thofjuly.htm
3. Eat All American
Embrace the spirit of the holiday with a red, blue and white themed menu. Plenty of inspiration can be found on Pinterest or google recipes or better yet, get creative and make your own 4th of July recipe and host a cook-off with family and friends. Take to social media to rate which recipe looks the best. Need some inspiration? Try out this Patriotic Berry Trifle or make an American flag cake.
4. Virtual fireworks display
If you prefer to stay home this day, watching virtual fireworks and parades is the next best thing to the live event. The New York City fireworks show is broadcasted nationwide on TV and YouTube. You can still pay homage to the occasion by watching a documentary or hosting an intimate barbeque.
5. Watch All American
Introverts will love this. Plan a movie day for yourself and the family dedicated to All American movies that will honor this day. Here are some suggestions, suitable for the entire family.
- Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
- Saving Private Ryan
- Miracle
- Independence Day
- The Patriot
- Apollo 13
- Rocky
- Captain America
Celebrating the 4th of July can be a fun, happy occasion, but the most important aspect about this day is expressing gratitude for the things that unite us as a nation – food, people, history and not forgetting the fireworks which brightens up the sky and sparks camaraderie amongst each and every American citizen.
Happy 4th of July!
