The 4^th July might not be a date we traditionally celebrate this side of the pond, but who says we can’t sample some of the best bits of Independence Day. From eating apple pie, to hitting a home run, here’s how to fly the star-spangled banner this July 4th.

 

1. Backyard BBQ

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If you’re planning a 4th July shindig, then it simply has to include a patriotic picnic. Rain or shine, it’s a safe bet that there will be a grill burning in almost every neighbourhood in the States this Independence Day. Burgers, hotdogs, fried chicken, and homemade lemonade are all classic 4^th July fare. And not forgetting of course, the all-American apple pie. But there’s plenty more, less well-known classic tastes of America to be sampled. From pastrami on rye to clam chowder, there’s a whole continent of great American cuisine to be tried. For a good introduction, why not start with http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/holiday—celebration-recipes/july-4th-recipes.

Oh, and for an authentic New England experience, top your apple pie with a hunk or two of cheddar cheese. It’s the real deal.

 

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2. Stars and Stripes

Parades have been a big part of the Independence Day celebrations since the 1776 Declaration was signed and they’ll be happening all over America on July 4^th. So why not have a fancy dress parade for the little ones at your party with a stars and stripes theme. American parades are colourful affairs, with people lining the streets to flag-wave and watch marching bands, cheerleaders, horses and floats and whilst your might not be able to secure a marching band or a passing military unit, you can at least employ one great American tradition. No 4^th July parade would be complete without someone giving out candy, so get the sweet jar filled in preparation.

 

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3. Eating Competitions

 Again, food. But eating competitions are as American as apple pie, one of the oldest and most well-known being Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Contest in New York City. What apparently started out as a way of settling a dispute between two friends over who was the most patriotic, has now become a 100-year old U.S tradition, that even has national TV coverage in the States. The question is, can anyone at your eating competition break current record-holder Joey Chestnut’s world record. To be honest, at 69 hotdogs, it’s pretty unlikely.

 

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4. Play Ball

 What better way to go all ‘Merican than with a game of ball. Baseball, basket ball, American footie, take your pick. Take it upon yourself to learn the rules and teach it to the rest of the group. And when you’re finished hitting a home run, why not swap the Appalachians and the Rockies for the Peaks or the Cotswolds and follow in another great American tradition and get into the great outdoors. We might not always be blessed with the 4^th July weather that most Americans enjoy, but that’s no reason not to venture out and adopt a bit of the pioneer spirit.

 

3. Fireworks

When John Adams, the second President of the United States wrote that America’s independence should be celebrated with “bonfires and illuminations … from one end of this continent to the other” he could hardly have imagined the spectacles that are now common currency in the U.S on 4^th July. From the famous Macy’s 4th July Fireworks show in New York, to the display at the national monument and Capitol building in Washington, to Nashville’s Let Freedom Sing! Celebration which is expected to be the year’s biggest 4th July fireworks show, this is a huge night in the U.S pyrotechnic calendar, with home displays proving just as much a part of the traditional celebrations as the large organised displays. So follow suit and light up the skies of your neighbourhood. Whilst we’re fully booked for this year’s 4^th July, the shop will be open and we’re always happy to help you figure out the best way to mark the occasion… Take a look in our online shop http://www.galaxy-fireworks.co.uk/shop/index.html