Libraries

Rec. Dpts/YMCA's

And More....

Celebrating The 4^th Of July

Getting together with neighbors can be a great deal of fun. But when you throw a party to celebrate our nation’s birthday, you have a blast! So select your location, pass out the invitations and get on with the planning. Then show your patriotism and pride by adding a little pizzazz to this year’s block party. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Make it look like a celebration! Every party needs decorations and stores everywhere are well stocked with 4^th of July accessories. But to add a personal touch with homemade decorations, try some of these:

· Dig out the red, white and blue Christmas lights you have stored away in the attic. Use them to light up the trees, bush and table around your party area. Not only will they add to the festive feel, but they’ll also provide some additional lighting once the sun goes down.

· Add centerpieces to your tables with flower arrangements and flowerpots. Buy red and white carnations (twice as many white as red) a couple days in advance. Take half of the white carnations and put them in a separate vase with water to which you’ve added blue food coloring. The carnations will soon turn blue and you’ll have red, white and blue flowers for your table. Stick small flags in centerpieces to keep with the theme.

· Kids can join in the fun by making constructing paper chains for the trees and tables, decorating cut out stars for the tables and making the centerpiece flags (color them on construction paper and glue onto a Popsicle stick).

· Using sidewalk chalk, have kids color the sidewalks and streets (if they’ve been blocked off), or write patriotic slogans and facts on them.

Behind every good party there is great food! Whether you have the local Bar-b-queue restaurant cater your event or do it potluck style, try to keep with the theme. Showing a splash of red, white and blue on your table is as easy as adding a little food coloring to your treats. For example:

· Red lemonade with blueberries

· Blue cake with whipped topping and strawberries

· White and blue corn chips with red salsa

· Blueberry ice cream with whipped topping and strawberries

Let your imagination run wild! However, remember to use your colors with caution. Though food coloring is flavorless, it can have some unappetizing results. For instance, you don’t want to dye your potato salad blue or you may find yourself with a lot of leftovers. Be sure that the treats will still be appealing to the palate. Food coloring tends to work best with desserts and beverages.

If you’re getting that creative feeling again, try one of these neat treats:

Pretzel Sparklers

You’ll need long rod pretzels, white chocolate and patriotic sprinkles (red, white and blue, stars). Begin by melting the white chocolate. Then dip the pretzel rod halfway into the melted chocolate. Next, decorate with sprinkles and lay on waxed paper to dry. Put them in cups and set on the tables – they’ll look too good to eat!

Fruit Sparklers

For this festive tidbit you’ll want fresh strawberries, bananas (cut into slices), cherries, blueberries and large marshmallows (you’ll want an equal amount of each ingredient). You will also need 12” wooden skewers. Put the fruit and marshmallows onto the skewers in a red, white and blue pattern. (Safety tip: Be sure to cut the sharp tips off the skewers when you’ve finished the making them). An easy way to “display” your fruit sparklers is to stick them into a watermelon rind. (Cut a watermelon in half and remove fruit - turn upside down to make a “stand” for your fruit sparklers).

Dress for the part! Encourage everyone to get into the spirit by wearing patriotic clothes and accessories. Dressing up some plain white t-shirts with red and blue fabric paint, fabric markers, stamps or even tie-dye is simple and fun. Try using the same techniques on hats, sock and bandanas to create an entire outfit. You can even create coordinating clothes for family members, friends or even your pet!

Everybody loves a parade! And this event is no exception. Let the kids know ahead of time that they’ll be participating in a parade so they’ll have time to prepare. Wagons, strollers and bikes of all sizes can be decorated. For those who would rather leave their bikes in the garage, suggest they participate in other ways. For example, they could march along:

· Playing an instrument or kazoo

· With a pet (be sure your pet likes crowds before you tie a bandana around his neck and lead him down the parade route)

· Juggling

· Rollerblading

· Leading with a baton

The Grand Finale – Fireworks! As with most 4^th of July events, fireworks are the finishing touch to a day of celebrating. Enjoy the show but remember to be cautious and careful. The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety offer the following tips:

· Always read and follow label directions

· Buy from reliable sellers

· Always have water handy (a bucket or hose)

· Never re-light a “dud”

· Dispose of fireworks safely – dip in a bucket of water before putting them in your trashcan

· Or better yet, enjoy a fireworks display put on by your city or community!

Celebrating our country’s birthday has special meaning. We display our red, white and blue with tremendous pride and are especially thankful for our independence and freedom. Enjoy the company and camaraderie of friends and family, and have a safe 4^th of July.

Back to Top

Don't forget to sign up for our free monthly e-mail newsletter!