The Fourth of July tends to be a big celebration for most of us. It is a time to break out the barbecue and outdoor games. Depending on where you live it might also mean visiting your friend or family to enjoy setting off fireworks. Most of us started our firework journey with pop-its/poppers, snakes and fearfully holding sparklers. We all then (hopefully) graduated to roman candles and bottle rockets. Now, most of us relax back in our chairs while a designated fire bug lights the fountains, mortars and catherine wheels. This Independence Day we hope you all enjoy the nice weather (please wear sunscreen) while reflecting on what the day means for you. Check out Complete’s favorite things for the day below, weirdly none of them mentioned watching Independence Day…
When I was young, my grandparents lived on Table Rock Lake. Every 4th of July, our family would meet up with my aunts, uncles and cousins who lived nearby at my grandparents’ house. We would spend the day eating KFC & dips my aunts made, and we shot off black cats, bottle rockets & smoke bombs in the front yard and into the lake (& sometimes at each other!). At night, we had a perfect view of the Kimberling City fireworks show. My uncle would also make his own display so that we would all sit back & enjoy. ~ Amanda S.
Coming from Southern California, you couldn’t exactly buy or light fireworks. I may have heard stories about people making the drive to Arizona to get some—though I wouldn’t know from experience, of course…
Every year, without fail, the Mt. Rubidoux fireworks show would spark a small fire on the mountain. And honestly? I love seeing the posts about it. It wouldn’t be the 4th of July without that tiny blaze. Now, our favorite tradition is being the adults behind the spark—watching the pure joy on the kids’ faces as they look up in awe. There’s nothing like it. – Amanda D.
Buy a bunch of fireworks and set them off in our front yard. ~Anne
The tradition between my husband and I is to make lemon poppyseed pancakes with strawberries – that was the first 4th of July meal I made him when we were dating 🙂
Other than that, as a kid, we would spend ALL day at the park where the massive community firework show would be. We’d play games, listen to live music, picnic, etc. It was the best. ~ Chelsea (new paralegal!)
We have a big party at our home for friends and family. We start early and everyone stays all day. I come up with games and friendly competitions for the kids and adults. Like the rest of the US, we eat burgers and hot dogs, but my favorite food tradition is homemade ice cream and blackberry pie. With full bellies we watch our neighbors put on a fantastic fireworks show after the sun goes down. It’s one of my favorite days of the year. ~Polly
We have a traditional family cookout, outdoor games, and fun water activities to stay cool during the day. When it gets dark, we gather for our own fireworks display in the meadow (if it isn’t too dry of course). I would prefer only the pretty fireworks, but I am out voted by the guys who like to hear things go “boom”! ~ Karen S
I have great memories of tossing around a foam football with my siblings at dusk before the big Corporate Woods fireworks show when we were kids. My children are finally old enough this year to stay up late for the fireworks, so I’m excited to create the same magical memories with them! ~Maureen
Jell-o shots. But seriously, watching fireworks shows. Whether that is on a boat at the Lake of the Ozarks or a picnic blanket outside a Hy-Vee parking lot. ~ Ali Zaver
Growing up, we spent quite a bit of time out in the country for the 4th with my parents joined in bottle rockets wars (yikes) and in my twenties I spent days by the pool between bouts of badminton. Now, I enjoy watching my brothers’ kids and their excitement.
My dad served in the Air Force for 25 years. Every year we’d have a huge BBQ on base with his whole squadron and lots of fireworks. We’d also go on to base and watch the firework show that was put on by my father’s squadron. My dad’s squadron was AMMO, so you can only assume how many fireworks there was. (Constant fireworks for at least 1.5-2 hours). It was always such a great experience and still one my favorite memories. ~ Brenna (see below for an image of Brenna’s dad and his retirement!)
However you decide to spend the day, we hope you have a safe holiday and we’re grateful to have the weekend to recover from late nights and lots of sun!
