Yay for America! As Fourth of July nears, people in every nook and cranny of the United States are coming up with new and unique ways to celebrate this Summertime holiday keeping social distancing in mind. Our jubilation is not just from the joy of becoming an independent nation. We are cheering on the strength of the American spirit. Particularly when overcoming the wide array of challenges that we’ve been experiencing here lately. With this patriotic holiday ahead, am sharing a few ideas for adding parade-worthy fun to your July 4th.

Dress for the occasion

If the “staying at home” vibe is giving you an extra corner of time, you may have been organizing around your house and going through your closet. While setting aside Winter wear, you could look through your Summertime clothes for red, white and blue pieces that you might put together as a festive outfit for the Fourth. The more bedazzle, the better! This early July holiday is the perfect time to sparkle like a glittery firework.

Create indoor fun

In some places, the weather forecast for the Fourth can be as sizzling hot as the backyard grill. Rather than being outside in the heat of the day, it might be good to have ideas on tap to entertain your pint-sized flag waving crew while indoors. How about getting “crafty”? Think about easy things you could make with a patriotic theme. For instance, if you take 

• plastic drinking straws

• pony beads

• star shapes cut from construction paper

your little people could be lacing up red, white and blue necklaces. 

Spending time browsing online for websites such as Pinterest may give you all sorts of “we can do this!” inspiration.

Serve all the foods

Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries rejoice! The Fourth is a golden hour for berries in delicious red and blue colors. Pair with whipped cream or angel food cake and your tastebuds will feel extra patriotic. 

While making plans for the Fourth, perhaps you can come up with an all-American menu? Think of what calls to your tum this Summer. Maybe add to the list -

• Burgers

• Hot Dogs

• Baked Beans

• Mac & Cheese 

A side of slaw or ‘tater salad are also fan favorites, however, keep temperature-sensitive dishes on ice for everyone’s health and well-being.

Instead of heating up the kitchen by baking a classic apple pie dessert, you could hit the “easy button” with apple pie pastries from the snack aisle of the grocery store. Or, stop by a local cafe serving empanada fritas or fried pies. 

Bonus points if your “Go USA!” meal has a picnic theme for dining al fresco.

Play that funky music

Is your new pandemic survival skill reciting every lyric to that catchy tune (you know the one) that’s constantly playing on the radio? If so, you are well on your way to building a great playlist for your social distancing party peeps! Consider curating a collection of songs that could stir a sing-along around the patio table or firepit. Extra credit if you get everyone dancing around like fireflies!

Waiting on sunset

Even if you are not planning on lighting off fireworks, there’s a good chance others in your neighborhood will. While waiting for the sun to set and for the skies to darken, consider spicing up your family walk or bike ride routine by 

• Taping crepe paper streamers to bicycle handlebars or making a handheld windsock

• Fitting each noggin with a Lady Liberty crown of construction paper 

• Adding the musical stylings of tootie horns or kazoo’s (earplugs optional)

By evening, here’s hoping the temperature may cool a bit and you and yours can crisscross the neighborhood in fine Fourth style.

If fireworks are not allowed in your area, you could

• Do an online search for a live streaming show from a big city

• Check your local listings for a fireworks extravaganza airing on television

• Look for an online recording of sparkelies at a theme park

Thinking about your options for watching the night sky light up ahead of time may ease any last minute stress from (warm and potentially whiney) family members.

Most of all, be safe! Not just when lighting up things that snap, crackle and pop, but, while out celebrating with others. With best wishes from MilHousing Network San Antonio Team to you and yours, have a Happy Fourth of July!

Photo by Andrew Calhoun on Unsplash