America’s birthday is almost upon us, which means traditional family barbecues and firework displays will be popping up nationwide. As fun and memorable as these occasions are, however, you’re bound to tire of going through the same old slew of celebrations every year. So what else can you do to shake up this year’s Fourth of July festivities? Here are a few ideas.
1. Run a road race decked out in red, white, and blue
Make up for the vast amounts of junk food you’ll inevitably be eating by taking part in a 5K or 10K race on Independence Day morning. Head to Atlanta to run a 10K at the AJC Peachtree Road Race; take a trip to Freeport, Maine, for the L.L. Bean Fourth of July 10K Road Race; or venture west to Santa Monica for the Red, White and Blue Run, which features a 5K, 10 K, 15K, half marathon, and marathon. If these races aren’t within your reach, there are plenty of others you can check out on the site Road Race Runner. Prep for your race by tie-dyeing some red, white, and blue T-shirts, socks, and headbands so you can show off that USA pride to your fellow Americans who you encounter along the course. If possible, try to run on behalf of a charitable organization you care about. Giving back to others is the American way, after all!
2. Go for a hike
There’s no better way to appreciate America’s natural beauty than by experiencing it firsthand. A hike is a wonderful way to get a close look at all of the scenery the United States has to offer, and it can be a more relaxed alternative to a road race. Don’t forget to pack a lunch for a relaxing picnic at the end of your trail. We all know that no one can resist PB&J, an American delicacy!
3. Get crafty in the kitchen
Pack back on the cals you burned during your runs and hikes and show a little USA love with some delicious and easy-to-make themed desserts. Here a few scrumptious options:
Red, White & Blueberry Skewers
If you’re looking for a light snack that is still sweet and tasty, then these treats are for you. The minimal ingredients and quick preparation time make them fantastic fare to make on the fly. Check out this recipe from Make and Takes.
Ingredients:
- 10-inch skewers
- Strawberries, cut up in fourths
- Blueberries
- Mini marshmallows
Directions:
Wash and dry the strawberries and blueberries and cut the strawberries into fourths. Stick the berries and marshmallows onto the skewers in a pattern or random order and enjoy!
It’s America’s birthday, so a patriotic cake is a must. This recipe from Punchbowl will allow you to embrace the holiday spirit quickly and simply while also giving you a delightful dessert to munch on.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup milk
- Cool Whip or white frosting
- Strawberries or raspberries, washed and sliced
- Blueberries, washed
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix the butter and sugar in a bowl and then beat in eggs and vanilla extract. Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl and slowly add to wet mixture. Add in the milk gradually.
- Pour batter into 9×9 in. pan and bake for 30-40 minutes. Let cake cool.
- Lay sliced strawberries or raspberries across the width of the cake to make the flag’s stripes, and for the stars, line blueberries in the cake’s upper left hand corner to yield a makeshift American flag. Bon appétit!
There’s no better handheld treat than a cookie! Take a taste of Betty Crocker’s doughy and buttery goodies featuring hints of red and blue this Independence Day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup margarine or butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 egg
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons red colored sugar
- 2 tablespoons blue colored sugar
Directions:
- Beat granulated sugar, almond extract, and egg in bowl with electric mixer on medium speed for two minutes. Add in the flour.
- Divide dough in half; cover one half and set aside. Put the other half on waxed paper or plastic wrap and press it into an 8-inch square.
- Sprinkle dough with one tablespoon each of blue and red sugar.
- Lift and roll up the dough with the waxed paper. Repeat with other half of dough.
- Wrap rolls with plastic wrap and put in refrigerator for one hour or until firm.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Cut rolls into ¼-inch slices and place about two inches apart on sheet pan without grease.
- Bake for 6-8 minutes or until cookie edges start to brown. Let cool for one minute and put cookies on wire rack. Take a bite and taste the sweetness!
4. Attend a neighborhood potluck
A potluck is a fun and easy way to celebrate the Fourth with your friends in the neighborhood. Prepare one of the delicious desserts above or another one of your favorite dishes and set out for some bonding on the block or at someone’s house. Northwestern University senior Hillary Hafke says her neighborhood hosts a brunch at the beach by her local lake in Michigan, where everyone brings something to share. Occasions like these are a fabulous way to celebrate the United States with your fellow Americans.
5. Watch a parade (with floats or boats)
Grab your red, white, and blue garb and set out to a local parade to watch decorative floats cruise by. Syracuse University senior Alex Solimanto says she has been going to the Fourth of July parade in Moultonborough, NH, since childhood. The parade goes by a country store that gives out sweet treats.
Alex says the parade makes for a great sense of unity. “There’s a lot of vets who participate, and the fire department,” she says. “It’s just a very community feeling of people watching and participating in the parade.”
But if you’re not into parades on solid ground and you live near water, you can venture to a lake for a boat parade, where people deck out their boats in flags and lights. If you, your family, or your friends have a boat, you can even take part in the fun yourself!
Hillary says she has a lot of fun at the parade on her local lake. “Everyone decorates their boat with patriotic streamers, balloons, window decals, you name it. We ride in a line around the lake,” she says. “It’s funny because over the years the boat parade has evolved into an on-the-water water balloon fight as well.”
6. Nail an American look with a red, white, and blue manicure
Get your fingers in the patriotic spirit this Fourth of July with a USA-themed manicure. You can alternate solid red, white, and blue on each nail if you’re going for something simple, but if you want something bolder, add a little shimmer with some shiny polish to rep our flag’s 50 stars. Try out OPI’s “The Spy Who Loved Me” for a sparkly red color, their “Which is Witch?” for a white that pops, and their “DS Magic” for a shimmery blue. But the American sprit doesn’t have to stop there – you can incorporate red, white, and blue into your hair and makeup and put together fabulous Fourth-friendly outfits to make for an impressive and patriotic head-to-toe look.
7. Test your USA knowledge
Do you remember who made the first American flag or who the first signer of the Declaration of Independence was? Have any idea of Ulysses S. Grant’s real name or the first U.S. president to get married while in office? Put your knowledge to the test through playing a game of USA-themed trivia with some family and friends. Find some quick facts online beforehand at the U.S. Consulate website or National Geographic. This activity is sure to get your mind churning!
8. Head to a concert
In the mood for song and dance? Venture to a patriotic concert by your favorite artists, bands, or orchestras to celebrate the birth of America with a little music. Head to Philadelphia, the city where our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, for the city’s free Fourth of July Jam Concert, slated to feature performances by artists such as John Mayer, Demi Lovato, and The Roots. If you’re in Washington, D.C., you can visit “A Capitol Fourth,” a free concert on the U.S. Capitol’s West Lawn. The show will include sets by Barry Manilow, the National Symphony Orchestra, American Idol winners Candice Glover and Scotty McCreery, Glee actor Darren Criss, and more. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will also feature a star-studded ensemble, including Howie Day, former “American Idol” contestant Ayla Brown, the Boston Pops Orchestra, and the Tanglewood Festival Chorus.
9. Thank a soldier
In the midst of the Fourth of July festivities, Americans often forget about the people who have helped this country remain “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Take a few minutes to visit a Veterans Affairs center and thank a few vets for their service Consult the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs if you’re not sure where to find your local VA center. If you run into a soldier, give them a handshake and a word of gratitude. Call up your family members and friends who have served or who are serving and show some appreciation. These individuals have made huge sacrifices on behalf of this country, and they more than deserve our acknowledgement, especially on a day dedicated to celebrating the birth of our nation.
With an abundance of miles to run, mountains to climb, food to eat, games to play, concerts and parades to see, and people to thank, you’ll be sure to have plenty to do this Independence Day. Go fourth (sorry, we had to!) and make it the best one yet!