How Do You Celebrate the Fourth of July?
Here in America, our Independence Day, or most commonly referred to as Fourth of July (which is the day we celebrate) this holiday is a huge event. One of our most celebrated days throughout the year, there are numerous ways we gather, hold parties, decorate and reflect on the importance of this day.
America’s Declaration of Independence from Great Britain was drafted by Thomas Jefferson. Our 13 colonies had voted in favor of this resolution on July 2, 1776, and it was adopted on July 4, 1776, officially creating our new independent nation.
Annual celebrations include great events including concerts, festivals, political ceremonies, family reunions and more. Cities all over America host multiple firework displays, parades and events that often last several days. Many events are even televised such as the Macy’s fireworks display in New York City, held annually, this is their 40th year of hosting.
All around the country we barbecue great feasts, gather with friends and family, decorate in red, white and blue, and wave American flags with great pride. Who hasn’t participated in an occasional watermelon eating or pie baking contest?
I am lucky enough to live in a city that goes all out for this annual event. There is a park nearby that hosts a fair and carnival that lasts typically 2 full days! They have carnival rides, games, food vendors, concerts, a parade and firework displays both nights.
Since I live on the street that hosts the parade, I’ve hosted an annual party for my family and friends that includes breakfast on the lawn; with our lawn chairs under a shade tree, we eat breakfast, drink coffee and watch the parade throughout the morning hours. After the parade we swim and barbecue all afternoon, until it is time to walk to the 
park and enjoy the carnival festivities before the evening concert starts. After the concert a fabulous display of fireworks shoot into the air. Everyone oohs and ahhs over the colors sparkling, the booming sounds and then we giggle when the car alarms go off from the force of the explosions. If that isn’t enough for sensory overload, we then head back to the house where the neighborhood children are proud to show off their chalk artwork on the sidewalks and it’s the adults turn to play with fireworks as the neighborhood streets turn into mini firework displays. Eventually, we all wind down, exhausted from a full day of fun, try to calm our animals that have been terrified throughout all of the fireworks, and fall into bed. I hope everyone sleeps well, as we have to get up early, tomorrow is day two and we’ll celebrate all over again!
How do you celebrate America’s Independence Day? Please share your stories or comment below, we’d all love to hear from you!
Please celebrate safely and take a moment to reflect on what the Fourth of July means to you.
~ LT