June 28, 2023 Issue, Page 18 of 20

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PG10 FREEDOM |2023 Tips for hosting a fun Why isn’t July 2 Fourth of July party the day to celebrate The Fourth of July is a day to ing sure such foods and beverages professionals. Hosts should not American independence? celebrate in the United States. are served alongside more experi- succumb to pressure, real or per- Much about July makes the fourth mental fare won’t disappoint tra- ceived, to supply fireworks at their day of the month the ideal time ditionalists, and those looking for Fourth of July parties, Fireworks to celebrate. School is out, the something beyond the norm won’t can lead to injuries and accidents. weather is warm and the generally be disappointed, either. and are best left to the profession- relaxed attitude of summer has + Embrace the red, white and als who put on community fire- The Declaration of Independence and July Fourth are indel- typically set in by the first week blue. When decorating, opt for works shows. Discourage guests ibly linked. But you may need to be an American history buff of July. red, white and blue decorations. from bringing their own fireworks to know that the link is less direct than it may seem. The Con- People tasked with hosting This gives the party a distinctly by making it known they will be tinental Congress declared American independence on July 2, Fourth of July festivities may Fourth of July feel. Red, white and asked to leave the party if they do. even though the final wording of the Declaration of Indepen- not feel the same pressure when blue napkins and tablecloths are + Arrange transportation home dence had yet to be approved. That approval came two days hosting such gatherings that they readily available come July, and for guests. To make sure everyone later, which is why American independence is celebrated on would when hosting more formal hosts with a gift for crafts can even gets home safe and sound, arrange July 4. Furthermore, the Declaration of Independence now on affairs. The relaxed nature of sum- create their own decorations to use in advance for some guests to display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., was not mer often pervades Fourth of July year after year. serve as designated drivers. Hosts signed on July 4. The signatures on that document, which have festivities, but hosts can still take a * Prepare to entertain. Unlike also should abstain from consum- been a source of pride for descendants of the signers for cen- crash course in summer hosting to holiday season gatherings that typ- ing alcohol during the party so turies, were written on August 2, a full month after the Con- ensure everyone has a good time. ically begin in the evening, Fourth they can get people home safe if * Don’t try to break the mold. gress declared its independence from Great Britain. And in a of July parties tend to begin in necessary. Keep a list of local taxi Some hosts may be tempted to the afternoon and extend into the company phone numbers on hand reflection of life in the 18th century, Great Britain did not even think outside the box in regard to night. That means hosts must not and encourage guests who plan to receive the declaration until November of 1776. the foods and beverages they'll just feed their guests, but entertain consume alcohol to use rideshar- serve at their Fourth of July par- them as well. Since Fourth of July ing apps to get to and from the ties. While hosts can still experi- parties tend to take place outdoors, party. ment and serve new foods and plan lots of backyard games, such Fourth of July festivities typi- creative cocktails at their parties, as badminton, bocce, Wiffle ball, cally are less formal than other many guests will be anticipating horseshoes, and more. Hosts with celebrations, but hosts still must some Fourth of July staples, such swimming pools should have pool plan their parties to ensure every- as grilled hot dogs and hamburgers games readily available as well. one has a fun, safe Independence and cold beer and lemonade. Mak- + Leave the fireworks to the Day. @ InterBank (580) 225-5580 * 1620 W. 3rd St. Elk City, OK 73644 FDIC