Happy 4th of July
Jul 3, 2011 23:46:18 GMT -5
Post by Q3 on Jul 3, 2011 23:46:18 GMT -5
Bet most of you knew what would be on today’s banner. Happy July 4th.
To my fellow Americans, Happy 4th of July. To everyone else, please join us in celebrating the US' independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain on July 4, 1776 – 235 years ago.
Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.
Start your day with a traditional pancake breakfast – pancake, sausage, and the works. Then settle in for a parade and an afternoon picnic. The only 4th of July requirement is that there is a ton of food and corn-on-the-cob must be involved. Chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, coleslaw, ice cream all usually make appearances, but anything that works with hot weather is welcomed. At my 4th, you will find watermelon spiked with vodka – lots of vodka – and a menu that celebrate regional food from across the country. This year I am featuring 4 regional cuisines – Tropical-South Beach Florida (beverages and appetizers), New England Clambake (seafood course – pit is dug, we load it in the morning.), Mid-South Traditional BBQ (Pork, Chicken and Vegi), and traditional 19th century deserts (apple-pecan and cherry pies, caramel layer cake, and homemade ice cream with hot fudge sauce). [It sounds like a lot more work that it is – many tricks and helpers involved.] The only trick is that we need to pull it off in a park! Smokers are already stoked and working away – and I have “volunteers” guarding them tonight.
Cap off the night with an aerial fireworks display set to patriotic music. So to put y’all in the mood, here is my tribute to the 4th….
Believed to be the biggest fireworks display in US History, the Statue of Liberty Centennial July 3, 1986. (The statue in the middle makes it all the more special.)
I will admit the giagantic fireworks displays are awesome, but I also love the local parades. Where anyone with a decorated bike or a small flag gets to march.
From Texas:
To the Gay, MI Parade and Fish Toss
(not that kind of Gay but they do throw fish!)
The Danville, CA - July 4 parade
To the Louisiana Bayou
Lobster Boat races in Jonesport, Maine, July 4th, 2010
Should be seen at least once!
In Hawaii they go to efforts to reassure mainland tourists that the 4th of July exists there…
Seattle has one of the best settings for fireworks in the US…
…and of course the 1812 Overture from the Boston Pops. (Yes, I know this is about Napoleon, but it has been adopted in the US as one of two perfect fireworks songs. I grew up thinking it was about the War of 1812 when the US was attacked by the British! They lost – again. But today it is hard to believe that we fought two wars against each other!)
and the finale from Nashville, TN
(it says the symphony is playing “Stars and Stripes Forever” – like anyone could hear it!)
Red White and BOOM! 4th of July Fireworks in Nashville, TN
Adam sings the Star Spangled Banner
MCAS Miramar Bob Hope Theater
May 9, 2009
Adam Lambert sings Star Spangled Banner at ADL Event 12/9/09
And, of course, the Burning Man SSB