.jpg)
By Tami Brothers
1) Independence Day (July 4th) was almost celebrated on July 2nd (yes, that would be today!). The legal separation of the American colonies from Great Britain actually occurred on July 2, 1776 when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve the resolution of independence. After voting and then turning their attention to the Declaration of Independence, they revised the document and finally approved it on July 4th. Thus the date we celebrate today. (thank you Wikipedia)
2) Independence Day is a federal holiday. Thus, all non-essential federal institutions are closed. Okay, so this one may not be so fun for others, but it works great for me and my lovely day job…grin….
3) Capable military bases across the United States participate in a “Solute to the Union” by firing one gun for each state in the United States at noon on Independence day.
4) Since 1970, the annual 10 kilometer Peachtree Road Race is held in Atlanta, Georgia. I actually had a friend back in Wyoming who traveled/travels out here every year for this. I knew about this race and the Georgia heat loooonnnngggg before I became a Georgia resident.
5) July 4th is the 185th day of the year (186th if it is a leap year). With only 180 days left in the year, we are on the downhill slide of 2010. How are those 2010 goals and resolutions coming???
6) AAA reports that this year there will be a 17.1% increase in people traveling 50 miles or further this Independence Day holiday over the 2009 figures with an estimated 34.9 million people hitting the roads.
7) Every year in the United States fireworks cause over 12,000 injuries serious enough to require hospital treatment. The Pocatella, Idaho Fire Department listed some awesome tips on staying safe this year. 
8) Fireworks were actually invented in ancient China in the 12thcentury to scare away evil spirits (Wikipedia).
9) MOVIES, MOVIES, MOVIES. Who hasn’t heard of the Twilight saga? The Twilight Saga: Eclipse hits the screen on June 30th . I’ll be watching this movie, along with another one released this past week, Knight and Day starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. Then there is The Last Airbender (premiered yesterday). My son watched the Nickelodeon cartoon version of this show and LOVED it. When I heard that Jackson Rathbonewould be playing one of the characters (you know, Jasper from the Twilight movies), I knew it would have to be right there on our MUST SEE THIS list. So, now you know where I’ll be over the next few days…grin… This weekend is set to be a big movie weekend for many AND it’s a great way to beat the July heat.
10) The 4th of July tops the charts as the most popular outdoor cooking day. According to the Hearth Patio and Barbecue Association, 80% of adults plan to attend or host
an outdoor cookout this year. In a poll conducted by the HPBA, the most popular foods for grilling are; burgers (85%), steak (80%), hot dogs (79%), chicken (73%), followed by sausage/bratwurst (55 percent) and ribs (53 percent). Lets don’t leave off the toppings. The poll determined that “66 percent of Americans report that they reach for the ketchup while 62 percent say they add on mustard.” Check out their website for some neat grilling tips.
So, what are some of your fun 4th of July facts? Any plans for the weekend? Anybody spending their weekend at the movies like me?
Oh and don’t forget to come back here on Sunday (the 4th of July) and read our latest travel post featuring the Greater Vancouver area with writer, Kathy Bremner. She posted some awesome pictures that you don’t want to miss.
by Tami Brothers
21 comments
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Noelle Pierce, PetitFoursHotTamales. PetitFoursHotTamales said: New blog post: 10 Fun Facts About the 4th of July http://petitfoursandhottamales.com/2010/07/10-fun-facts-about-the-4th-of-july/ [...]
I love your post. I didn’t know about July 2. I love the 4th. My twin nieces were born on the 4th many years ago.They’re teenagers now.
I’m in Florida and some friends are coming to stay with us. I don’t know what I am going to fix for dinner but I guess the ever popular burgers (with mustard for me). I loved your facts and pictures.Happy 2nd and 4th everyone. I already saw the Tom Cruise movie and really liked it.
Marilyn
Great post! We’ll actually be on the road this year, but I love get-togethers on the fourth. One of my fondest memories is watching the memphis fireworks on tv and listening to the Memphis symphony orchestra play stars and stripes forever followed by old man river. Sometimes we would play with sparklers and roman candles, but I think I’m going to put the kibbosh on fireworks since I just heard about Missouri man who just blew his house 3 feet off it’s foundation courtesy of some sparklers.
Great post. Lots of facts I didn’t know about. My favorite was #5.
I didn’t realize we’re on the downhill slide of 2010. I need to get on the ball if I want to reach my goals. Thanks for putting things in perspective Tami!
I don’t really have any 4th of July traditions. I’m one of those people who gets annoyed easily by crowds. So unfortunatley I don’t go to firework displays. But my kids love them. In fact my son and his friends have tickets on the 4th to watch the Gwinnett Braves and then watch a firework show there.
I’d rather gouge my eyes out with a spoon than go to that crowded venue, but I’m sure they will have a ball.
I also live in a culdesac, so my neighbors usually buy fireworks in SC…you know, the really great illegal ones. We have our own, uncrowded show right here in my front yard! Gotta love that.
Hope all the movies are good!
Have a great weekend!
Tamara
Tami,
Loved the post! Sounds like you had fun researching it. Your 4th sounds great. I love a good movie in air conditioning. I think mine will be in my den.
I WILL, however, attend the Harry Potter movie when it comes out, whenever that is.
Probably going to have a couple of sets of company today. After that it’s recuperating and catching up on my fun work (writing).
I’m spending the fourth of July at church in the morning and fireworks that night. Fortunately, there’s a good spot only two miles from my house to see the local show.
I may get to cross the border and celebrate with the neighbors in Blaine Washington… if not, at least we can see the fireworks from here!
Hey Marilyn! I LOVE Florida and am sooo glad to be living this close to the state. The more I hear about your trips, the more I think about finding a spot to do a yearly vacation down there myself. Now if I could just talk hubby into that idea… The 4th of July is one of my very favorite holidays because it is one that is FILLED with great memories. My family was always doing something. I have two cousins with 4th b-days and their b-day parties top my all-time favorite parties list.
I am really looking forward to Knight and Day. Saw Killers and loved it. Everyone says that if I liked that one, I’ll like the chemistry between Tom and Cameron (hahahaha, really wish I were on a first name basis with the stars…grin…). Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Sally! I send my best wishes for a safe trip for you this weekend. I LOVE fireworks (am going to two shows this weekend….), but I totally agree about the sparklers. When my son was young he got a spark in his eye and ended up having to wear dark glasses for weeks after that while it healed. Very scary moment and we were shocked that it was from a sparkler. I used to love those things. Now when I try one, I can totally feel the hot sparks. I wondered several times if they just made them differently these days or if my memory just blocked those little burning pieces of metal from when I was kid. 3 feet in the air? He must have had the mother load in his basement! That Memphis symphony orchestra sounds awesome. I’ll have to check it out one of these years. Thanks for stopping!
Hey Tamara! I KNOW!!!!! When I read that about the number of days left in the year, I panicked. I am SOOOOO not even close to realizing my goals. I had to pull everything out and start organizing to see if I can fit them in still. Best of luck with yours, girl. I know you’ll do them.
I’m envious of your boys’ seeing the game. I never thought about that or we would have planned one. We watched the Braves over memorial day and LOVED it and the Beach Boys concert right afterwards. Was a hoot. I totally wouldn’t have thought that about you with the crowds. I’ll be honest and tell you I used to be the same way. Still am at times, but I’ve gotten better. Three years ago I would come home from a GRW meeting literally exhausted. I was useless the rest of the day because being “on” took sooo much out of me, it was ridiculous. I have gotten a whole lot better, but still find myself heading to a quiet corner.
Oh yeah. Tamara, I read your comment yesterday (or the day before) about being in Savannah. I was there this past weekend! LOVED IT!!!!! Will definitely be headed back that way again soon. Man was it ever hot. I hope you guys had some relief from the heat. I know it was a pleasure stepping into those little shops on Riverstreet just to get a break from the heat (I have to say that in case my husband reads this. Can’t admit it was for the shopping…grin…)
Enjoy your private fireworks show and the long weekend. Thanks a ton for stopping by.
Interesting facts, Tami. I learned something today.
More than one thing, actually. Now I know that there will be a lot of really hot, exhausted people in Atlanta on the 4th.
I wonder what brainiac decided to have a road race in GA in July? Glutton for punishment, much?
Thanks for the educational post, Tami. Interesting information. I love the Fourth and all that patriotic stuff. I have a friend whose whole family used to run in the Peachtree Road Race. I’m not sure if she’s still doing it. That picture is great.
Only 180 days left in 2010? I feel like we just celebrated New Year. But I’m still ready to switch and celebrate the Fourth. My plans are relaxing, eating, and watching movies. Thanks for some good ideas!
My fondest Fourth memory is going to downtown Chicago and watching fireworks over the Lake with a symphony accompanying them. That was an experience.
Watch out with those fireworks, everybody, and stay safe!
Hi Maxine! I sure did have fun with the research on this. My problem was that there is SOOOOOO much stuff on the 4th of July. I had a tough time trying to pick the best things for the post.
I’m right there with you on the Harry Potter movie. The first part of Deathly Hallows will be out in November in 3D!!!! I just watched a trailer on that one and am so ready to see it. It’ll be tough, though, having to wait for the 2nd half but I’m glad they didn’t try to smush all that from the book into one movie. Have fun with your company and have a great weekend!
Hey Debbie! Sounds like a great day. We are attending a fireworks show tonight downtown, then will head to my husband’s cousin’s house in another town on Sunday for a big family get-together, then watch the fireworks by the edge of the lake. We’ve seen the lake fireworks a few years ago and LOVED them. This year should be better because we are on the other side and will get to see more of the ground show the surrounding houses put on. Can’t wait! Have a great weekend!
Hi Kathy!!!! Thanks a ton for stopping by today. I can’t wait for Sunday when we get to share your post with our fellow readers. I LOVE the picture with the Olympic athletes on the windows of the buildings. What a wonderful way to show support.
I hope you get to enjoy the show on the 4th. Isn’t it your hubby’s b-day that day, too?
I did have a question for you. I know you are from Canada and that Canada Day was yesterday (HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!!). I was wondering if you guys celebrate in a similar way that we do here? Just curious.
Thanks a ton for stopping by and commenting today. Have a wonderful weekend!
Tami
Wderful post- enjoyed it.
Hey Carol! I know!!! I used to run cross country in high school and the big race we all trained for was Boulder Boulder in Boulder, Colorado. That one was fine because it was at the end of May. In Colorado (which can get pretty cold). BUT we had a group of people that would then go from training for that one, to training for the one in Atlanta. They had a group of 10 to 15 people who would make the trip every year and every year someone from this group would pass out from heat stroke. I never did understand what the appeal was for them. I’m told it was the challenge of making it in the Georgia heat.
Now that I live here, though, I’m kind of laughing about my naysaying thoughts because I’m actually training for an August race. We shall see how this one goes before I consider the July one…grin…
Have a great 4th of July weekend up there in Virginia!
Hey Linsey! Did you see the comment on your post yesterday from the Abbot Dark Zone Perfect Bar company???? I am sooooo going to use that code. Thanks a ton for the wonderful tip on those!!!
I know about that New Years thing. Before you know it, we’ll be heading into 2011. Scary thought, huh? You’re the second person to mention a symphony with their fireworks show. Now you guys have me intrigued. I am definitely going to have to do some research on that. Maybe I can incorporate a nice little vacation into our 4th of July experience next year…grin… Thanks for stopping by!!!
Hi Jillian!!!!!! For those who are interested, Jillian was one of our fabulous Travel Guests and did a neat post about Pensacola, Florida. Check it out when you get a chance.
Thanks a ton for stopping by today (I hopped over to your blog and LOVE your Christmas in July post. I have a Sexy Saturday spot on my Tami Brothers blog where I post fun pictures I’ve found and that is one I haven’t seen before. LOVE IT!
)
Tami
Hi Tami,
Great post…I too learned a couple things.
How am I doing on my goals since the year is half over? Humm
I met the finishing books goal and I’m working on the send-them-to-editor/agents goal. I’m signed up for the two conferences and the rest I’ve already met, so I think I’m doing fine.
On the fourth we’ll be some of the ones holding down the home front…and watching the city fireworks from our driveway and our home association fireworks from our back deck. (Why go anywhere else?)
Happy belated Canado Day for our northern neighbors and fellow guest blogger!
Sandy
Hey, thanks for the Canada Day good wishes!
We have similar celebrations but yesterday was dismal and the coldest July 1st I can remember so there was family visiting but we ducked out of the ‘walk around in drizzle’ part!
Because of the Olympics and the huge national spirit that was generated then, lots and lots of people are sporting “Canada” shirts and jackets and stuff so it’s neat to actually ‘see’ the patriotism.
For me, we spent every summer of childhood across the border in Birch Bay so I was more familiar with July 4th being a big deal than July 1st!
And yup, hubby was born on Independance Day… snicker..
Hi Tami, great post. I didn’t realize that we were just over half way through the year – ack! I’m rolling along on those goals, but I must roll faster.
About the only tradition we have on the 4th is that we usually celebrate at the lake with my in-laws. Usually we go out on the boat and watch one of the several fireworks displays held over the water. Very pretty.
Happy 4th everyone!
Hey Sandy!!!! Way to go on those goals. You are doing a wonderful job and I can’t wait to read “In Daddy’s Shoes.” I LOVE the cover of that new book. Sounds like a fun evening of the fourth. I love the idea of watching the fireworks from your driveway. You don’t have to fight the traffic when it’s over… Have a great weekend!
Hey Kathy! Thanks for answering my question about celebrating Canada Day. I wondered what you all did up there to celebrate. That would be cool to see the Canada jackets and shirts coming out to celebrate. I know I love seeing the 4th of July garb everyone wears around here. I have a whole outfit myself (earnings included). Enjoy your hubby’s b-day!
u.
Hi Darcy! Going out on the lake sounds wonderful! I’ll be by the lake on Sunday, but I can only imagine what it would look like ON the lake.
I know what you mean about that half-year mark sneaking up on you. But you are doing a great job. Major congrats on that good writing news. Can’t wait to read your story!!! Have a wonderful weekend.
Thanks everyone for coming out and commenting tonight. We just got back from watching the fireworks show here and I have to say it was fabulous. We had terrific seats from our Jeep, although the drive home was a tad bit chilly…grin…
I’m calling it a night tonight but will check back tomorrow to see if anyone else stopped by. Hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July weekend!
Tami
Great post, Tami. My middle son, Mark, is running in the Peachtree Road Race for the first time. I’m glad it’s supposed to be about 67 degrees that morning!
Learned some new things about the 4th! I did not know it’s halfway through the year, though! Although I will be finished with this darned master’s program by the end of the year. Maybe I can get some writing done during Nanowrimo!
Have a great holiday weekend! I’ve got my folks here for 20 days and am really enjoying it.
Anna
Hey Anna! Good for your son! That is so exciting and I’m glad about the weather. I just called another friend back in Wyoming to ask about the Peachtree trip and she said the group still comes out this way. Might be a great time to catch up with old friends.
I forgot about Nanawrimo! Last year I bombed that because I ended up with a couple of papers due. This year, I’m going to really try to set a realistic goal and MEET it!!! We shall see if that hold up…
Enjoy your company. Mine just left, headed back to Wyoming.
Happy 4th of July weekend to everyone!
Tami
Interesting facts. I hadn’t realized we were on the downward slide of the year already. At least we cat start off the 2nd half with fireworks.
We’ve already been warned here about the 50 gun salute tomorrow, and told it might set off car alarms. Warnings are always good near the nation’s capital.