A Walk Down Memory Lane on July 4th
Join Us, While We Go Back in Time, & Celebrate
Fireworks, hot dogs on the grill, the sound of the “Star Spangled Banner” are just a few reasons why Independence Day is favored by Coloradoans throughout our state. Not only does this day represent our freedom, it has a few of us reminiscing over days gone by. Join us, while we go back in time & celebrate as we walk down memory lane on July 4th.
- Red, White and Blue
- Fireworks at the Ranch in Loveland, Colorado
- Watermelon, Potato Salad, S’mores and Burnt Marshmallows
- Why Are They Called Papa Beans?
- Water balloon Fights and Squirt Guns
- Decorating a Schwinn with Banana Seat
- Flags of Plenty & Singing the Star-Spangled Banner
- Block Parties and Hanging with the Neighbors
- Swimming, fishing and floating on the Lake
- Pinwheels and Tiny American Flag
- Silly String & Wading in the Kiddie Pool
- Biking or Walking the Trails
Go Back in Time with Red, White & Blue
If anyone asks how to decorate for July 4th, you’ll get an unanimous answer of red, white and blue. Homeowners across the country hang their flags while decorating with traditional colors that pop with the fireworks! Nearly every home in the neighborhood displays stars and stripes where kids get such a thrill seeing the festive decorations declaring our nation’s promise of freedom.
Walking Down Memory Lane at ‘The Ranch’ in Loveland, Colorado
Fireworks at the Ranch in Loveland, Colorado create excitement for all ages while bursts of light fill the sky leaving everyone in awe. The materials used today show create a stir from innovative displays of tiny explosions. Did you know? The first fireworks came in one color? Orange was the only color produced. Although dogs may not care for the noise 4th of July would not be the same. Regardless of the pups, it wouldn’t be a party without the element of fireworks lighting up our memories.
Who Can Forget Watermelon, Potato Salad, S’mores and Burnt Marshmallows?
The 4th is also a time to fill our bellies with delicious treats like potato salad, watermelon and burnt marshmallows. S’mores are always fun as warm gooey insides of fluff and chocolate wrap around your fingertips and smear down your face; leaving no other choice than to lick the inside of the graham cracker. To this day, it seems impossible to eat a s’more without making a delightful mess. When looking back, nearly every dish at the barbecue as a story, like where mom got her potato salad recipe or when Bobby Thomas got his head stuck inside of a watermelon rind. Or the dad jokes about ‘Papa beans.’ Unforgettable.
Why Do They Call Them ‘Papa Beans?’
Why do they call em papa beans, you ask? Some daddy, somewhere came up with the recipe that included darn near every type of bean, some crispy bacon, and of course browned ground sirloin. With all those beans thrown in one pot, you can guess what would happen a bit after dinner. Pop would always enjoy a good toot after eating the savory side dish, which is how the family came up with the knick-name.
Reminiscing with Water Balloons & Squirt Gun Fights
Water balloons and squirt gun fights seem like standard festivities for July. Cold, wet and colorful balloons being hurled, while the air fills with laughter with screams of kids being kids. It was always fun watching your friends try to fill the small squirt guns while a water balloon pelts them on the side of the noggin. Good times filled with joy making a memorable summer. (Please don’t forget to protect wildlife by cleaning up the remnants afterwards.)
July 4th Means Decorating Your Schwinn Bike
Schwinn bikes with banana seats were all the rage during the 70s. The 4th of July, meant kids installing sparkling red, white and blue streamers from the handlebars. Do you recall the rustling and rattling sound they made when blowing in the wind? Who can forget the white wall tires spinning around where kids hadn’t a care in the world other than how much they love to ride. Years later, mountain bikes and BMX, took over where kids still ride in style. But that blue and white Schwinn brings back awesome memories. Ahhh, those were the days.
“The flag should not be flown in rainy weather, unless it’s an all-weather flag.” Ginny Beagan/ Naples News.
Flags of Plenty & Singing the National Anthem
In the older parts of town, you’ll still see flags of plenty hanging from balconies, on the flagpole and over tops of the garages. People seem to show off their patriotism and love for Ole’ Glory. Not only is the flag a symbol of freedom, it also symbolizes pride in the community. The Red and white stripes with blue including white stars tells us history and how far we’ve come. Next time you sing the National Anthem with your hand over your heart, bear in mind of the true meaning behind the Declaration of Independence.
Unforgettable Block Parties and Hanging with the Neighbors
I’m sure many of you have memories of block parties and hanging out with your neighbors. That is what you do during the summer months. The kids enjoy harassing one another while the parents sit around drinking cool and sometimes spiked beverages. This is a day for us to all come together and show our sense of community. A block party is a grand way to do so, making these gatherings unforgettable.
Memories of Spending Time at the Lake
July 4th would not be a celebration if it weren’t for fishing, swimming and floating on the lake. This time of year, Colorado offers plenty of ways to cool off with our many lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Inner tubes were the way to additional fun. Those round rubber apparatus burned the backs of your leg but they sure were cool for lounging on the water. Unlike the many floats; today, our way was simple and got the job done. Do you remember?
Pinwheels and Tiny American Flags Waving About
For those of us who may be older, pinwheels, and little flags moving and waving in the hot air made the celebration even more exciting. To this day, a pinwheel places a smile on nearly every child while they march around the backyard full of cheer. Both are delightful additions to any party and bring out loads of inspirations.
Celebrating with Silly-String and Kiddie Wading Pools
Each time I see a kiddie pool or a can of Silly String, will take you back to a merry time. They still use these toys today, bringing unforgettable memories where you could wade in the tiny swimming pool for hours after chasing your friends with a can of foam. What better way to cool off after chasing each other around the backyard than to take a dip into the shallow water. Sometimes, it is the little things that count when walking down memory lane.
Biking & Hiking the Trails as You Reflect
A favorite pastime of many Coloradoans is to bike or hike along the trails. There is no better way to celebrate the 4th than strolling along and listening to birds chirping, and cicada buzzing with every mile. Whether you’re going to get some fresh air, or exercise, hitting the forests and plains is a must on the 4th of July. The best part, you won’t have to worry about all those burgers you’re eating!
You can destress, unwind before the family stops in for a BBQ. I highly recommend these activities for letting go of anxiety any day of the week. But, it just may be the best cure for you to recharge after a long holiday weekend.
We covered a lot of territory walking down memory lane today. I hope you build some stories like these to share with your loved ones. In the meantime, have a safe and Happy 4th of July!
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