It’s a hot summer day. People all around the country are brandishing the beloved American Flag. Eyes come in contact with the nation’s three colors: red, white, and blue. What could this “free” day be? The 4th of July rings a bell.
This is a day where all residents, no Americans, of the United States unite together under one common doctrine. The Declaration of Independence gives each and every person a right to liberty, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. How would one celebrate this joyous holiday?
1. Red, white, and blow it up! – Show spirit by gathering a bunch of friends around and launching some fireworks! Want to sit back and enjoy the fireworks instead of setting them up? Beaches and theme parks are a perfect place to go as they always have a fireworks’ show. Sophomore Nirali Patel says, “We [my family and I] always go to the beach for a barbeque and then we have fireworks.” More locally, Red Hot and Boom, hosted in Cranes Roost in Altamonte has a big event for fireworks. Enjoy some fun in the sun in the afternoon with music and friends and then hang out ‘til the evening show to end the 4th of July with a boom! An anonymous junior says, “Red hot and boom is loads of fun. My friends and I gather up and sit on the grass and watch it together.”
2. Sizzle Sizzle! – Have a picnic or cookout and invite family members and friends to enjoy some mouthwatering food. No one can go wrong with the classic comfort barbeque food: hotdogs, hamburgers/sliders, and punch! Have red, white, and blue silverware (no red cups!) and go all out. Not a professional in the kitchen? Add some food coloring, in layers, to the cake to make it look like the American Flag. Or have a potluck dinner, where everyone brings a dish to the event, so there is less cooking involved. Nothing is better than enjoying a meal with family! Freshman Debbie Shear agrees with this, “On the 4th of July, I like to spend time with my family. We have a picnic or go watch fireworks. It’s a lot of fun!”
3. Block Party! – Host a neighborhood parade or block party. Invite everyone possible and enjoy some music, festivities, food, and fun! Use this time to get to know the people that live in the area as most people do not know their neighbors very well as it is good to keep a pleasant relationship with neighbors. Have a parade that involves every age group from little kids to elders. This will help make them feel like they are involved in the celebration and that they are a part of the community. There is a parade in Orlando that will be an option if hosting a parade is not feasible.
4. Rain, rain, go away… – If it rains on the 4th of July, do not despair! There are plenty of fun things to do when stuck inside. Try to write an original version of the Declaration of Independence! What things would be given to all citizens? Perhaps make an inalienable right the right to free chocolate chip cookies on Friday! Compare with some friends/family to see what they put. Another idea would be to wear some cozy pajamas and have a movie marathon and if the block party had to be canceled because of the unfortunate weather, then it is always possible to watch a parade of TV. Freshman Punit Naik said that he once stayed home and watched movies all day and that “it wasn’t that bad as I ended up watching a special called Biggest Fireworks.”
Whatever the case, everyone is an American, and has the right to exercise the right of freedom. Everyone is free to even not rejoice the holiday. Whatever the case is, knowing that everyone is free is a celebration in itself. Just end it with a bang!