America’s favorite holiday is just around the corner and preparations are already underway in most towns and counties for fabulous parades, picnics and fireworks. You don’t need to venture very far to celebrate the Fourth of July in grand style and chances are, your own neighborhood is having a must-see rockin’ party. However, if you are looking to step outside of box this year, the following can be great ways to celebrate the nation’s 241st birthday.
Head to Canada
Why on earth would you head to another country to celebrate the Fourth? Well, did you know, Canada celebrates its birthday on July First? In border cities like Niagara Falls, New York and Ontario you can celebrate the births of both nations with amazing festivities, great food and awesome parties. Head across the border first, to party with Canada for a few days then drive back through to ring in the Fourth with your countrymen. If you have even more time, the border cities of Buffalo, NY and Fort Erie, ON celebrate a Friendship Festival in the second week of July recognizing the truly remarkable friendship between the two nations.
Host a Pet & Wildlife Friendly Fourth of July Party
The boom and bang of large fireworks displays can cause major anxiety for both household pets and wildlife. The loud noises have caused flocks of birds to fall out the sky, deer to run out onto roadways and nursing mother mammals to leave their babies. Pets shiver, vomit and can even succumb to heart attacks during these events. There has been a movement lately to host “quiet” firework displays. Though perhaps not as powerful, if they are well-choregraphed and augmented with music and other light shows, they can be just as beautiful and far more memorable. They are easy to find, a simple Google search for “quiet fireworks” will give you lots of great options. Before or after your quiet fireworks display, you can also head down to a local shelter and offer a hand. Not only do the animals there need reassurance, but the number of lost dogs increases significantly on the Fourth of July (running from the loud booms) so small animal shelters can be easily overwhelmed. Call the shelter beforehand to see if they could use some extra hands or if they have other suggestions for ways you can help.
Propose to your Special Someone
Amidst the glow of (quiet) fireworks is the perfect time to pop the question. It is both romantic and memorable. For a man, you can get down on one knee and ask for her hand as the fireworks explode overhead. How can she say no? Although society has come a long way, many women are shy to propose with a ring, so how about proposing with a Moonglow men’s necklace with a special date memorialized as a moon phase. It may just give him the nudge he needs to take you to your favorite jewelers.
No matter how you spend the Fourth, remember that it is about more than just a party, it is about remembering a nation that is free and independent and that all men (and women) are created equal with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In these troubled times, it is important to come together as a nation and remember John Hancock’s words: "We must be unanimous; there must be no pulling different ways; we must hang together."
