All over the country, people are getting together to celebrate the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain’s rule in 1776, which actually occurred on July 2, by voting to approve a resolution of independence. Congress then devoted their immediate attention to our Declaration of Independence- finally approving it two days later on July 4.
July 3rd, John Adams, one of our founding fathers, had written to his wife Abigail:
The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.[7]
Other than the date, John was spot on. That said, here’s some options to help continue in this great tradition!
Fun Games!
Red, white, and blue tag: Give each competitor one token of each color. When the whistle blows, the game starts! Challenge players to be the first to gather one red, one white, and one blue token by tagging other players. This game is perfect outdoor fun for young kids.
Patriotic balloon pop: Put a “You win!” note inside deflated red, white, and blue balloons, then blow them up and and place them around the party area. Have party guests pop the balloons to find out if they win a prize.
Fourth of July jar: Fill a large fishbowl or jar with red, white, and blue candies and challenge guests to guess how many candies are in the bowl. Put a pen, paper, and an empty basket beside the bowl and have guests place their names and guesses in the basket. The winner gets to take home the whole container of goodies.
Red, white, and blue concentration: Have everyone sit in a circle. The first person names something red, the next names something white, and the next something blue. Each time someone repeats or can’t think of anything, they’re out!
Water balloon dodge ball: Divide up the group into two teams and fill up some red, white, and blue water balloons. If you get hit, you’re out. The last one standing wins!
Fun Red, White, & Blue recipes!
Love From The Oven: Patriotic Push Pop Cake
Two Peas and Their Pod: Blueberry, Strawberry Jicama Salsa
Eclectic Recipes: Red Velvet Pancakes with Coconut Syrup & Blueberries
Gimme Some Oven: Red White Blueberry Margaritas
The Gunny Sack: Firework Cupcakes
The Little Kitchen: Red White & Blue Popsicles
Just a Taste: July 4th Dessert Pinwheel Icebox Cookies
Climbing Grier Mountain: Baked Doughnuts with Red, White, & Blue Marshmallow Frosting
Food Network: Sunny Anderson’s Patriotic Berry Truffle
How to Take Awesome Fireworks Photos This Fourth of July