The Fourth of July typically brings fireworks, BBQs, and family and friend gatherings – but this year will be unlike any other. With the current spike in COVID-19 cases across the U.S., many cities have decided to cancel their annual firework shows and parades; ensuring celebrations for most will be different from years’ past. Although this Fourth of July may contrast from what we’re used to, FischTank is still ready to celebrate the U.S. of A.
As we reminisce on our favorite pre-pandemic Fourth of July Memories, here are the FischTank team’s favorite activities and foods:
Alexis Winkler – “My favorite 4th of July memory is when i lived in Queens, NY. Every year as a kid my family and I would go to the Toys R Us rooftop, sit on top of our cars and watch the Macy’s fireworks. We eventually moved to Jersey and our traditions changed, but those memories will always be my all time favorite.”
Carly Ross – “Spending time with family & friends and enjoying a nice BBQ is my ideal July 4th celebration! My weekend isn’t complete without consuming a hot dog and fries, and tons of cookies/ice cream for dessert.”
Emma Parrott – “Every year my whole extended family gets together for a cookout and all the kids get to play with sparklers. I always remember feeling like it was magic growing up. Seeing them always reminds me of that special feeling of summer nights spent having fun with family, and now I get to see my younger cousins experience that “magic” for the first time.”
Eric Fischgrund – “My best fourth of july memories are of being a kid living in PA and my parents hosting neighborhood Independence Day parties. Everyone would wear red, white and blue, there were kegs of root beer (and real beer), hot dogs and burgers on the grill, fireworks, wiffle ball games and more. I looked forward to it every year.”
Erin Hadden – “I’ve celebrated the Fourth of July in many amazing places — from the Pocono Mountains to the beaches of Lavallette, NJ; from hometown of Wayne, PA to Astoria, Queens, just to name a few! It’s hard to pick one standout memory so let me share my family’s all-time favorite summer meal: baby back ribs, cooked on the grill, with homemade BBQ sauce (a recipe that came to us from my Grammy’s college roommate!), couscous and corn on the cob. Like any great summer dish, it’s best enjoyed outdoors and should be followed by ice cream, popsicles or, my personal favorite, a refreshing cup of water ice.”
Jessica Reiner – “I love spending time at the beach with friends and bbqing with my family.”
Kate Caruso Sharpe – “July 4th has always been a much-needed mid-summer break spent with family and friends, but this year we can’t lose sight of the fact that this celebration focuses on our country’s liberation. Many in the U.S. are still fighting for the same freedoms and human rights granted to those with privilege. Take a moment this 4th to reflect, educate (I highly recommend Locking Up Our Own: Crime and Punishment in Black America by James Forman Jr. and How to Be Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi), donate (NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the Equal Justice Initiative, and Color of Change) and open discussions with others so we can continue moving our nation forward towards true independence, freedom and justice for all.”
Kyle Evans – “My favorite Fourth of July activity is grilling. The burgers and dogs are what it’s all about, and people naturally flock to the grill so it becomes a good social activity.”
Michael Canova – “Fourth of July is the official moment of the summer where you know there will be superb weather, tasty food, cold drinks, and great people to enjoy it all with. I’d usually be playing (and dominating) the cornhole tournaments at family parties up until everyone gathers around and watches the local fireworks.”
Rebecca Revel – “My favorite Fourth of July memory is going to the beach near my house with family and friends to watch the fireworks. We grilled hamburgers and hotdogs there and set up a picnic feast on the beach which was amazing!”
Rob Kreis – “To me, it’s not the 4th of July unless I’m at Moosic Lake in Pennsylvania with my entire family, enjoying Uncle Kev’s ribs, playing the watermelon game and lighting off fireworks for the entire community to enjoy!”
Russell Pagano – “Each year my family and I spend 4th of July down the shore, barbecuing, watching fireworks, and roasting marshmallows. But, my favorite 4th of July memory is when my siblings and I were little my dad used to take us out on the boat to watch the fireworks show.”
Samantha Breccia – “My favorite fourth of july activity is spending the day on the beach with friends and family and bbq-ing for dinner before finding a spot to watch some fireworks.”
Spencer Herrmann – “As a kid, hotdogs were, without a doubt, my favorite food but because they are so outrageously unhealthy, my parents wouldn’t let me have them very often. As I got a little older, I used the 4th of July as the ultimate excuse to consume far more hotdogs in one day than any person should really have in an entire year. Three years ago, after chowing down on a few too many hotdogs on the 4th of July, I decided enough was enough and gave up eating meat altogether. I’ve been a vegetarian ever since and while the health benefits make it well worth it, it still stings a little when I can’t have a hotdog on the 4th.”
Matt Bretzius – “Hot dogs.”
Did any of these memories bring you back to the good ol’ days when social distancing wasn’t a thing? Share some of your favorite Fourth of July activities in the comments below!
