A Fun Fourth

The 4th of July is almost here, marking the unofficial start of summer. How will you spend the holiday? Will you trek into Boston to sit amongst a million of your closest friends on the Esplanade? Or will you enjoy the Pops from the comfort of your own living room? Here are just a few tips on how to celebrate your holiday to the fullest.

Get grillin’. Nothing says summer like a good old fashioned barbeque. Invite family or friends over and fire up the grill. ‘Weber’ you prefer gas or charcoal, everything tastes better when it’s prepared over a flame (except maybe jello…and salad). Supplement your meats with plenty of corn on the cob, baked beans, fresh greens and any food that features mayonnaise: pasta salad, potato salad, deviled eggs and coleslaw. Mayonnaise is one of the official condiments of summer, right up there with ketchup and mustard.

Head to the beach. What better way to welcome summer than by digging your toes in the warm sand and listening to the calming sounds of the surf? No one enjoys being a pack mule for the holidays, so stop by Job Lot first to purchase a beach wagon to tote your boogie boards, coolers, sand pails, umbrellas, towels, skim boards and beach toys. Try to forget that the film “Jaws” took place during the July 4th weekend and hope that you don’t see any fishy-looking fins off shore. Reapply sunscreen often; The ER’s will be jam packed with folks who have blown their digits off with fireworks, which means you’ll have a long wait for someone to assess your third degree sunburn.

Find a parade. What would July 4th be without a parade? They are the perfect balance of marching bands, fire trucks, beauty queens, clowns and candy. When my kids discuss favorite parades of the past, invariably the parades where tootsie rolls and Dum Dums are flung are the most popular. But candy’s not the only thing you can get at a parade. Several years ago during a July 4th parade, a group of soldiers in period costume marched by us and fired off a few rounds from their antique rifles. I spied the shell casings in the road in front of us and urged my older son to dash out and grab one as a souvenir. Lesson learned for both mom and son: shell casings are hot. Though the burn on his hand was minor, the memory is seared into his brain forever. Whenever I mentionthe words “4th of July parade”, my son pipes up, “Remember when you made me grab those hot shell casings?” That’s one stellar parenting moment I’ll never live down.

Tap into your reservoir of “friends with…” Friends with pools, friends with boats, friends with beach houses. I have been blessed with generous friends who frequently include my family in their July 4th pool or beach party. Be sure to bring plenty of food, fireworks and firewater to thank them for their invitation.

Regarding fireworks… I’m not suggesting you drive to another state, obtain fireworks, transport them back to this state, and then set them off illegally. That would be irresponsible (Phantom Fireworks, Rt. 95 in Connecticut, just over the Rhode Island border.) I’d rather eliminate the worry, the danger and the potential stiff fine and leave fireworks to the professionals. Many towns still set off fireworks, despite budget cuts. Grab a few lawn chairs and some bug spray and park yourselves under the stars. Be sure to practice your “oohs” and “ahhhs” ahead of time.

Finally, take a moment to reflect on what July 4th means. Our ancestors came to this country to flee oppression. For 235 years we have fought to maintain our freedom. Despite the economy, environmental issues, partisanship and other areas that might divide us, we still live in the greatest country in the world. On July 4th, if you happen to see one of the many members of our armed forces, be sure to thank them for their service to our country. Without them, we might just as well have never left England.

God Bless America. Have a safe and happy 4th of July.