Celebrating this Independence Day is going to be tricky. Given the worldwide pandemic in the mix, we must get a little creative on our 4th of July celebrations. As we know, many places are still shut down and have cancelled their firework display. Bad news for many, but great news for dogs! So just what can you do to maximize your fun while minimizing risk? I thought you’d never ask!
Here are a few places you can rock ‘n roll into a delightful 4th of July:
Santa Monica Pier & Beach
While activities here may be limited, the beach is open! Take your party down to the shore and enjoy the fresh air. Set up some blankets, pack an ice chest, and throw in a couple of beach umbrellas for shade. While you are at it, grab a table for games and make sure you bring your portable speaker. With the weather expected to be a blissful 77 degrees and no chance of rain, you can immerse yourself in the idyllic California sunshine and enjoy Independence Day in style.
Yard House
Looking for a little more spice in your life? Celebrate at your local Yard House. They offer the world’s largest selection of draft beer AND are known for their yard beers. That’s right, they offer a whole YARD of beer. Of course, you can order something smaller if you so wish. Yard House also has food and other beverages, along with a multitude of TVs to watch your favorite sport. Give them a call to reserve your party’s table so you don’t miss out!
Backyard Blowout
One of the best ways to commemorate this special occasion is to invite a few friends over. Whether you throw a backyard blowout or an indoor shindig, you can’t go wrong! Grab a few hors d’oeuvres — veggie platter, cheese and crackers, cookies — and some American cuisine like hot dogs and hamburgers. Don’t forget the buns, have everyone bring their own drinks, and voila — you are set! If you crave ambiance, stop by Dollar Tree and throw up a few 4th of July decorations. You can even create a playlist of appropriate independence songs to play (think Proud to be an American, Party in the USA, etc.). If you don’t want to host, go to a friend’s house. Stay local and destress.
City Park
If all else fails, drive over to your local city park. Snag a BBQ grill or smoker (check city ordinances for permission), fill your cooler, pack some chairs, and have yourself a grand ol’ time celebrating amongst the open grass areas and bordering trees. If you are an early-to-rise/early-to-settle type of person, the park could not be a more perfect destination for your event as most city parks close at sundown. No more making up excuses for why you must leave!
No matter what you choose to do, the day is what you make it. Keep a positive attitude and enjoy your surroundings. We must never take for granted the endurance and sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom. America, land of the free, home of the brave!
Contributor, designer & admin for JohnHart Gazette.
