Things to Do This 4th of July

History of the 4th of July Holiday

The United States celebrates Independence Day every year on the Fourth of July to commemorate the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.  The Revolutionary War broke out in April 1775.  Over a year later, on July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor or independence from Great Britain. Two days later, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the infamous historic declaration drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

Today, the holiday is celebrated with family picnics, fireworks and patriotic parades. Everywhere you look, you’ll find American flags waving in the wind and shades of red, white & blue!

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Things to Do This 4th of July

Our favorite summer time holiday is upon us. It’s time to pull out the red, white & blue and start decorating. 4th of July is right around the corner!

Whatever you decide to do this upcoming 4th of July weekend, be sure to get outdoors. Whether that means visiting your own backyard or venturing further, get some fresh air and don’t forget how fortunate we are for our freedoms!

Here are some ideas to help you do just that.

• Go Camping – Grab a tent and your sleeping bag and head out for a night around a campfire under a canopy of stars. Camping over 4th of July weekend can get quite crowded so try to avoid the most popular spots. 

Look for National Forest Roads to camp off or try a hike-in site.  If you have a 4-wheel drive, get off the beaten path and pitch your tent in a remote spot. There’s also a chance you might score yourself a last-minute camping site reservation somewhere due to cancellations.

Just don’t forget the marshmallows and makings for s’mores.

A quick dip in the ocean is a great way to beat the summer heat while the kids build sandcastles under the sun.

Stop by the local old fashioned candy shop for some salt water taffy and take a stroll along the boardwalk. Better yet, grab a root beer float at the end of a wooden pier. You can even spend your pocket change winning tickets for fun prizes at the local arcade or ride the Ferris wheel.

• Go For A Hike – Grab a water bottle and an energy bar, throw on your hiking boots and get outside.  Whether you go for just a leisurely stroll on a designated trail or are more adventurous in your pursuits, it’s the perfect day to get some fresh air and exercise. State parks a great place for hiking or grab a trail guide to find some of the best spots.

Many places are back to “normal” this year. If you aren’t sure where to start, try Googling your local community center or search the local papers for events. Most cities offer city guides with information on nearby fireworks shows and other fun events.

• Make It a Backyard Movie Night - Although you can haul your TV outside for a movie night, backyard movie nights are a lot easier if you have a projector. With a projector, you can easily create a makeshift screen using an outdoor wall of your home or a sheet either draped over your fence or hung from the trees.

As far as a video source, you can use a laptop, DVD player, Blu-ray player or game console. Some projectors even have the ability to use a streaming stick. If your projector doesn’t have built-in speakers, use your computer speakers, a portable speaker or even a guitar amplifier.