Celebrating the United States’ Independence from British Rule.
Fourth of July holds special memories for me since childhood.
Ice Cream. Fireworks. Popcorn. Coke.
Late in the afternoon, before the fireworks at 9 or 9:30PM, my mother would be in the kitchen busy making popcorn. The aroma of freshly popped kernels filled the kitchen, foyer, and made the way up the stairs to my bedroom. I’d run down the stairs and prepared myself to catch kernels that popped out of the kettle when she lifted the cover to check doneness.
Popcorn and Coke was our tradition during the Fireworks each 4th of July.
My mother heated oil in a kettle, added a single layer of kernels and let the heat oil fry those kernels until they popped right out of their skins.
She’d fill stainless steel bowls and I’d dig in. I still love popcorn! She repurposed empty bread bags by filling them with popcorn. Instead of paying 5, 10, or even 15 cents for a small bag, we had four times the amount, thanks to my mother.
My sister and I would walk across the street to the park with an ice-cold bottle of Coke and big long bag each of freshly popped corn. We’d find just the right spot to sit and even lie on the grass as we watched the fireworks, almost overhead.
Sometimes, we’d stay at home and eat our popcorn out of big stainless-steel bowls. Back then, I recall the fireworks lasting 45 minutes. Years later, they were only 30. Today, most local fireworks seem to last only 15 to 20 minutes.
Parade and Ice Cream Earlier in the Day
Earlier in the day, we’d either participate in or watch the parade that passed the street in front of our house. At the end of the parade, participants got a little plastic container of either chocolate or vanilla ice cream. Year-after-year, I looked forward to lifting the little tab of the cardboard-like cover. I’d lick the lid then dip the flat wooden paddle spoon in the center or if it was a warm day, then work the spoon along the melted sides, first. I like my ice cream, cold!
Remembering an Independence Day Tradition —©2010
While we Americans celebrate our 227th anniversary of independence from British rule on this Fourth of July, I reflect on a family tradition that has been the constant across the highs and lows of forty-five years. Beginning during childhood and continued while caregiving, I invite you to join me on this walk down memory lane, and hope it will bring forth your own memories.
HAPPY 4th of July – Independence Day—©2013
Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays. I remember starting the day by participating in a parade which ended with ice cream, afternoons fearfully performing classical violin in front of a crowd who’d rather hear rock music, and popcorn and Coke while watching the fireworks at night.
Fourth Of July 2023: History, Trivia, And Celebrations
Learn a little about this important holiday that celebrate America’s independence from England, including trivia, why we set off fireworks, recipes, and more!
May you take as much time as you can to enjoy family and friends, the fireworks splendor, during this Independence Day holiday in the U.S.
