Tips and Ideas for Celebrating Independence Day
For many people, celebrating Independence Day consists of trekking to the nearest fireworks display, and then going home. That’s okay, but there is so much more you can do to celebrate America’s birthday! Here are some tips and ideas for celebrating Independence Day.
1. The Great American Barbecue
Having a cookout or barbecue is a great way to celebrate Independence Day. Break out the skewers and make beef kabobs, or cook actual pork barbecue and serve it up on buns. Side dishes might include macaroni salad, potato salad, or coleslaw; dessert could be a festive cake (with sparkler candles!) or ice cream. Of course, apple pie is an American classic as well. Serve lemonade to drink. Invite friends, family and neighbors if your grill is big enough!
2. Commemorate the Holiday
Here’s an important tip for Independence Day celebrations – remembering what it’s all about. That’s easy to forget. You could celebrate by reading segments of the Declaration of Independence aloud, and attending or putting on a play or skit depicting some of the events leading up to the first Independence Day.
3. Decorations
As you plan your celebrations, don’t forget decorations. Red, white, and blue streamers are a must – but make sure they are secure if you’re decorating outside. Littering is not patriotic! Red, white, and blue tea lights in clear holders are festive, and balloons in patriotic colors are also celebratory.
Patio lights in patriotic colors are fun, too. If you can only find white lights, you can use blue and red cellophane to cover segments of the lights.
4. Games
Playing all-American games is a fun way to celebrate. Here are some ideas for yard games you can play to celebrate Independence Day.
-Horseshoes (make sure to evoke Paul Revere!)
-American football
-Frisbee
-Baseball
Make up your own patriotic games. Maybe a history trivia game would be in order, or a game of “guess the signer of the Declaration.” Participants could be in character and read something written by a particular founding father (or founding mother!) while guests try to guess who he or she is.
5. The Flag
Independence Day is certainly a good day for flying the flag. Put it out first thing in the morning and let it fly all day. Gather around it for singing, reading, or other appropriate activities. If you don’t have one, make one. You can begin your celebration with a recitation of the Pledge, too, if you like.
6. Take a Day Trip
Why not take a day trip and visit historic sites? That’s a creative way to celebrate the day, even if the sites are not directly related to Independence Day.