IT'S A FIRECRACKER WEEKEND!
© Vaudie E. Harrison
Of course, the true purpose of this day is to celebrate the independence of the United States and the birth of a country.
When I was a child the Fourth of July was, most years, celebrated with a Family Reunion. Relatives would gather - usually at Grandma's home - for a day of food and fun. This gave all involved a chance to meet and renew friendships and catch up on the new happenings with other members of the family.
It was, for us kids, a time for games, swimming in the nearby creek, playing hide and seek, and then, at dusk, the highlight of the day for us--the Fireworks.
When I was a child, we would all go to the local Fireworks stand and purchase sparklers, skyrockets, roman candles and, naturally, as many firecrackers of various sizes as we could carry.
Today, however, in most parts of the country this tradition is no longer possible. Times have changed and new laws and restrictions on the private use and ownership of fireworks will not permit individual fireworks celebrations. In many ways, this is a good thing but it's one example of the changing times in which we live. So, check your local area and plan to attend one of the many commercial fireworks shows that you'll find available. They're beautiful and spectacular, but somehow it just doesn't seem the same.
The menu at our family gatherings consisted of dishes brought by the different families in attendance. Most times, you would find platters of golden fried chicken, huge bowls of potato and macaroni salads, stacks of corn-on-the-cob, large pitchers of iced tea and alongside the table there would be washtubs full of ripe, red watermelons covered by chunks of ice to keep the melons chilled until it was time to "bust" them open and enjoy the succulent treat to be found inside each of them.
All in all, it was a time of fellowship, food and fun for all involved. A time for the creation of memories that could be carried with us long after the day had ended - I still fondly remember those times.
So, no matter what you may have planned for this holiday weekend, remember to just relax and enjoy the company of those who will share the day with you.
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