Hard as it may be to believe, the 4th of July, 2020, is
already practically upon us (as of this writing, the holiday is less than two
weeks away!). It's Independence Day, America's 244th birthday this year, and
you already know what that means: spectacular firework shows, potlucks, and
more.
While the 4th is quickly approaching, it isn't too late to plan
something, for those people who haven't yet. For everyone out there who's been
too busy to make plans, here are five practical and fun suggestions for how you
can spend your time this year.
1.Stage
Your Own Patriotic Display
What could be more American than a constellation of colored
lights blasting through the sky, interrupting a still summer night? Nothing, really.
For people in this country, there's no more satisfying way to experience a show
than to stage your own. All you need is a clearing, a firework mortar, and
shells to supply it. Just make sure you secure it on the ground so that it's
pointing upwards. The last thing anyone wants is an overturned mortar's fire coming
straight toward your head or threatening to set your house on fire.
This option might be more appealing than ever this year,
since many professional shows, including Go Fourth on the River (the big one in
New Orleans), are cancelling this year due to COVID.
2.Host
a Potluck
Yes, the 4th is a holiday about love of country and
patriotism, but what's the use of a country without all the people in it? Without
your friends and family, the United States is just a few abstract ideas and
some arbitrary international borders. Celebrate the national holiday the right
way by bringing people in your community together (though safely). Also, there
should be barbecue, barbecue, and potato salad, at the least.
3.Cool
Off in a Pool
It's the 4th. You want to experience it right, but who are
we kidding? It's also July in Southeast Louisiana, and it's going to be hotter
than the devil. Finding a pool near you seems like a pretty cool (no pun
intended) way to get out and celebrate while also beating the heat. New
Orleans's own The Country
Club, for example, in the Bywater, rents day passes to guests for the use
of its pool. Can't access a pool or don't want to because of the coronavirus or
some other reason? You can always cool off at home with inexpensive inflatables,
like Slip N Slides. This option might make sense in particular for people with
small children.
4.Visit
the WWII Museum
It's a day of national remembrance. Luckily, we have a
treasure trove of American history at The National WWII Museum, which
is open and accepting visitors. WWII not your style? The Cabildo or The Presbytère,
both part of the Louisiana State
Museum system, always have history exhibits, and are open as well. They are
right on Jackson Square in the Quarter. And that's just naming three museums;
there's more where they come from.
5.Curate
Your Own American History Lesson
The 4th is a day to reflect on what it means to be an
American: the good, the bad, and the ugly. It behooves everyone to remember
that the United States embodies a contradiction. It was founded on the ideals
of liberty and freedom on the one hand and the conflicting existence of slavery
and oppression on the other. For those people looking to think a little more
critically this 4th, consider picking up a book about African American history,
for example. There are lots of helpful reading lists online.
