‘We woke early, well before the alarm set for 6.00am and bounded out of bed, rushing to secure a front row seat on the July 4th parade route. Fighter jets roaring low over our heads signalled the parade had begun and we sat, eyes glued in wonder at the ‘tons’ of neighbourhood floats drifting by, each vying for the Best in the Show neighbourhood prize. We would then go to a friend’s house for a BBQ and later home for some of Mom’s delicious Strawberry Ambrosia.’  AP’s childhood memories of July 4th traditions in his hometown.

Instead of just posting pretty pictures of July 4th tables, I decided to try something a little different and thought I’d celebrate the big bang birthday of America by asking my US friends what was their absolute favourite thing to ring in the Independence of the country. I mean we all know about the decoration saturation of red, white and blue and the hot dog with corn barbecues (BTW: both tried and trusted and a brilliant way to celebrate   ) but I couldn’t help wondering what other traditions folks held dear and associated with the fireworks of July 4th.

I was having coffee with HH who lives in NYC so I threw out the query to her. All HH’s friends also live in the City (read; space is tight and there are no backyards unless you are lucky enough to be a squillionaire!) and she loves entertaining, so her Go To tradition on the day is a July 4th Holiday lunch in her apartment with all the trimmings that would be found at a suburban bbq. And more! Along with a burger that she most usually glorifies to gourmet, HH serves red, white and blue foods including a strawberry, blueberry and marshmallow salad and a cake covered in the confetti colours of the flag. Not to be forgotten, is the table which is trimmed to within an inch of its life in the national colours and guest are always greeted with a Uncle Sam garland draped over the front door. To round the day off, HH watches the Macy’s 4th July Fireworks, most often from a friends rooftop.

The next friend to offer some insight was LM who lives in the burbs and is a big one for neighbourhood parties. And, apparently, a block party is how her suburb celebrates with the streets closed early so the kids can run freely playing the assortment of games that have been set up mainly for them but, as the day progresses and the good times roll, the adults as well But it is not only the party with the barbecue that LM does, her family also have a tradition of attending a baseball game on July 4th; from Little League to MLB, doesn’t matter, so long as its a rendition of what is considered to be the countries national pastime. After the game, LM heads back to the block party before heading off to watch the local community fireworks with her neighbours.

The last friend who shared how she likes to spend July 4th is GN from Boston. And yes, this one is obvious in that it is full of Forefather tradition; right from the public reading of the Declaration of Independence from the steps of the old statehouse. AP did that last year with RT, PT and next-gen RT and thought it brilliant!

Tinerate, GN heads down to the banks of the Charles River early in the day with a large picnic blanket which she uses to ‘reserve’ her plot of soil for the Boston Pops and fireworks on the Charles that evening. This one celebration is sooo huge now the it has become a televised national event and draws people from all over not only the States, but also the world. Last year I believe there were close to half  a million scattered around the lawns and adjoining suburbs and yes, I along with AP and my sister’s family, were five of them. Crazy I know, but worth it! Wisely we hung on the perimeter so after the final firework was blown we were able to make a fast get away and were back in our hotel sipping champagne and nibbling on cake while some were still searching for the exit gates

Anyhoo, in keeping with the tradition of freedom, fireworks and frolic, Happy July 4th everyone!

Till next time.

Tipsy Pipsy xo