On the 4th of July, whether you travel solo, with a partner or family, take time to celebrate Independence Day!
Here are 5 festive American 4th of July traditions you won’t want to miss:
1) Watch a parade.
Look for neighborhood parades for an up-close and personal view of the event. Wear your red, white and blue. Wave a flag. Have fun with the clowns. Swing along to marching band tunes. Cheer your local servicemen and women. Heck, you might even want to join the parade before it’s over.
2) Have a picnic or BBQ.
Of course, you’ll need to have plenty of favorite American dishes on hand: potato salad to go with grilled hamburgers and hotdogs; baked beans; corn-on-the-cob; ice-cold lemonade and/or beer; and don’t forget the strawberry shortcake for dessert.
3) Attend a band concert.
If ever there’s a day to listen to the music of John Philip Sousa, this is it. In Seattle, head to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard to see the Seattle Civic Band perform at 2PM. As an added bonus, you can watch the boats cruise through the locks.
4) Stage a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Let’s remember what we’re celebrating on the 4th of July. On this day in 1776 representatives of 12 of the 13 American colonies approved the final draft of the Declaration of Independence. When in the Course of human events . . . We hold these truths to be self-evident . . .
5) See the fireworks.
Photo courtesy of flickr – Camera Slayer
Cap off your festive day with a fireworks display. Safety comes first, so be sure to enjoy the viewing from a protected area. Better to keep your pets safe at home in a quiet place.
What are your favorite 4th of July traditions, Wanderboomers?
Sadly we will be staying home on the 4th due to one of my family needing some time to recuperate from a procedure. This time it is not my husband for anyone who knows me, but one of my daughters. Nothing serious, but it requires staying quiet for a bit.
We usually go somewhere and eat and drink with family and friends. So this year we are going to watch the Macy’s fireworks on TV:) Will try to have some traditional foods, but still it will be fun to be all together:)
Have a Ha
Meant to say: Have a Happy 4th of July everyone!!!
Sometimes we need to lie low, Barbara. Sounds like this is one of those times for you. Enjoy watching the festivities unfold on the TV screen, surrounded by your loved ones. Not a bad way to spend the 4th at all! Take great care ~
🙂
Have a happy 4th of July all my American friends, hope it’s a good one for everybody. Your suggestions look great wish I was there to enjoy the fun. No doubt the American society in Rio will be pushing the boat out. Have fun ya all!:)
Thanks, Maggie! I wish you were here, too, so I could show you a real slice of Americana. Best to you ~