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Sure, the community fireworks displays and parades might need to be reconsidered this summer, but we can still safely celebrate the 4th of July in patriotic style!
Safely Celebrating the 4th of July During the Pandemic
For many, 4th of July means huge BBQ blowouts, fireworks and parades. This year, with the highly contagious pandemic still rolling through our communities, many of us are considering different ways to safely celebrate.
To help you stay safe while honoring America’s Independence Day, we’ve brainstormed a few options to get inspire you!
Backyard BBQ for Just You
Instead of hosting your entire neighborhood or unit for a massive party, keep the guest list smaller and more intimate. Perhaps consider limiting invites to your immediate family only or including one other family with whom you’ve been quaranteaming.
However, big or small your BBQ is in 2020, it’s still a great time to go all out!
Fire up the grill and cook:
- burgers
- hot dogs
- ribs
- chicken
- corn
- veggies
Go nautical with a seafood feast, including:
- steamed clams, oysters, muscles
- peel-and-eat shrimp
- crayfish
- crabs
Include yummy sides like:
- chips and dips
- veggie trays
- corn on the cob
- potato salad
- pasta salad
- fruit salad
Even though your celebration is slightly smaller this year, it’s no less patriotic!
Decorate & Celebrate the 4th Safely
There are no parades, but your home and yard can still get all decked out!
Consider flying a flag, putting out bunting or painting artistic fireworks for your windows with DIY window paint! Get your children involved in the process and talk about why we’re celebrating independence in America.
If you live in a location that allows sparklers, you might consider enjoying a few of them to light up the night. Remember to observe fireworks safety and closely monitor children.
Enjoying a small fire and roasting marshmallows is another great way to enjoy the 4th of July safely. Break out the s’mores supplies for an evening of fun together.
Watch a Patriotic Movie Marathon
Celebrate the 4th of July with film. There are tons of great movies out there that honor our fight for freedom or have ties to independence as a theme.
Check out this list:
- The Patriot: the Mel Gibson Revolutionary War classic explores the ties between fathers and sons against the backdrop of 1776
- Top Gun: there’s nothing like the sound of jets and competing for the top spot to honor our independence
- The American President: watch a US president fall in love and navigate political upheaval
- National Treasure: Nic Cage follows a treasure map on the back of the Declaration of Independence while evading the bad guys; make sure to watch the sequel, too!
- Independence Day: Will Smith saves the US and world from alien invaders
- Mr. Smith Goes to Washington: a Jimmy Stuart classic about an idealistic young politician in DC
- Glory: the heroic actions of the 54th Massachusetts regiment in the Civil War are incredible
- Gettysburg: in 1863, Confederate and Union troops “celebrated” by fighting over the future course of the US in this Civil War classic
- Captain America: this superhero saves American troops, and the world, from Nazis and the forces of evil
- A League of Their Own: during WW2 women played professional baseball, with Tom Hanks giving a home run performance as a troubled coach
Take a Virtual Trip to DC
Sure, you might not be going to the fireworks on the Mall this year, but you can still enjoy a capital fourth virtually!
For 40 years, PBS has held a concert and fireworks display on the National Mall on July 4. While this year’s celebration is canceled, you can watch videos of last year’s concert and fireworks online!
While you’re “in” DC, you could also take virtual tours of the monuments and memorials on the National Mall or pop in to a Smithsonian for a quick peek.
