June is nearly over, which means July Fourth is nearly here. Carole’s asked for Ten Favorite Things about this holiday, and I’m glad to oblige!
1. It is a good day to re-read the Declaration of Independence.
2. Picnics. A blanket (even if it is just in the back yard), good food, cold drinks, maybe a frisbee to toss around. Perfect way to wile the day away until it is time for…
(Picture by Smithsonian Institution)
3. Fireworks. Ooh-ing and ahh-ing at a color-filled sky is my idea of fun.
4. Watermelon. I can’t eat much (melon makes my throat scratchy), and it never tastes better than on July 4.
5. Flags. Our flag has a neat history, and I love seeing it flying proud.
6. Summer. While most consider Memorial Day the unofficial start of summer and Labor Day the unofficial end of summer, July Fourth is simply summer.
7. Music under the stars. The pops orchestras in many cities play along with the fireworks. I think it is super fun to listen to rousing music while watching fireworks.
8. Parades. I’m not a fan of parades normally, but last year we spent the holiday with my pal Dana’s family in Kansas, and one of the best parts was a sparkler parade around the pool. I’m hoping our young neighbors will have a patriotic bike parade like they did for Memorial Day.
9. Vacation. The July Fourth holiday makes it a good week to take vacation, and vacation is something to love, all right, especially if it includes a visit to a National Park.
10. Red, white, and blue abound. I love seeing the color combo on everything, including cupcakes!
What are your favorite things about July Fourth? And for my non-U.S. readers, what do you do to celebrate your national holiday?
melons make us itch too!!!!
I watch the fireworks with the babies…the unit window faces east and they are over lake michigan in wilmette. SOmetimes parent scome in to see the fireworks with their premies…
I love all the flags. I love watching the fireworks at my mom’s house when I am off. She backs up to a golf course where they have a show……
I loved watching my kids faces light up with the firework light an dseeing them go: ahhhh
Oh, watermelon! I forgot about watermelon! What a treat on the 4th. You’re right — it never tastes better than on July 4. 🙂
Love your list. July 4th screams summer and vacation. can’t wait.
I’m going to make it a point to read the Declaration of Independence on Monday morning! Great idea Beverly.
Homemade, hand-cranked ice-cream. We had it in at least two flavors every year on the Fourth of July when I was growing up. My oldest brother always got to pick one of the flavors as it is his birthday, which is one of the best things about that day for me.
I think more people should read the Declaration of Independence!
gosh, i love little community parades on the 4th. so much pride without the pretentiousness than most parades have.