Independence Day is an American national holiday that commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. Just as the Americans decided to break off from the British empire, so does the state of Florida have its own branch of unique traditions that it celebrates on this day each year. Though not all are specific to the state, it just wouldn't be a Florida Fourth without these staple customs:
1. A day at the beach or by the pool.
By the time July rolls around, it's back up into the '90s and higher during the day in Florida. This is the perfect time to spend the day by the water, in whatever form it may be. There are thousands of miles of sandy coastlines just waiting to be inhabited for this holiday. There's also the option to lounge by the pool, have water balloon fights or run through the sprinklers. No matter your source of water, it's all about staying cool. And just the standard Florida reminders: observe the beach warning flags, stay hydrated, and wear sunscreen when outdoors!
2. Breaking out the American flag Chubbies.
Sure, you could wear your nation's flag on any brand of shorts, but nothing says "sky's out, thighs out" like a good old pair of Chubbies. Independence Day is the ideal time to fix any unsightly tan lines and allow your pasty thighs to match the rest of your skin tone. It's like killing two birds with one stone: fixing your flaws and looking mighty fashionable while doing it.
3. Having a barbecue or a potluck.
Now is the time to break out the grill and throw on hamburgers, hotdogs, and other traditional entrees for get-togethers. Whether it's a small family affair or a fairly large party, the Grill Master is a coveted and prestigious position to hold on the Fourth. And unless otherwise stated, it is a courtesy for all those attending to bring some side dish or dessert to accompany the meal. Those who come empty handed are often not invited back next year.
4. Buying fireworks in bulk from Alabama.
Ah yes, our neighbors to the northwest. Those in North Florida know that just to the west of Pensacola, in Robertsdale, Alabama, you can find Shelton's giant warehouse of fireworks. It can't be a coincidence that Alabama offers such a wide selection of fireworks so close to the state border, can it?
5. Finding a parade or family-friendly festival.
All across the state, there will be plenty of local events where you can find games, live music, face painting and other patriotic themed activities that can keep kids busy and that accommodate the whole family. These events usually conclude with a fireworks show, and you can hit all of the points on this list without ever having to leave the venue!
6. Day drinking (and also night drinking).
For those looking for more "adult activities," there's always the option to give yourself a horrible Fifth of July –– how you feel waking up is completely up to you. You've got the Bushwacker, a drink that has its origins in Florida; you can make sangria, because there's no way there aren't red/white/blue-themed drink recipes on Pinterest; or you can settle for Budweiser, they didn't (temporarily) change their name to "America" for nothing!
7. A long lasting tradition at the Daytona International Speedway, those on Florida's east coast can treat themselves to a day of racing with family and friends. Aside from the spectacle, they will also be honoring three Medal of Honor recipients at the event. For those close enough to Daytona, it sounds like a definite weekend of fun!
8. Fireworks show at Magic Kingdom in Disney World.
Sure, the Magic Kingdom has firework shows a lot. But there's got to be something truly special about celebrating your nation's independence in "The Happiest Place on Earth:" the sky lit up in red, white and blue. Disney is an American company that has gone global, and is a great example of what makes this country special. I mean, sure, nobody has these kinds of thoughts when riding "It's A Small World", but when you step back and look at the big picture, you can draw the parallels between Walt Disney's vision and the American dream.
9. Watching fireworks while on a boat.
If you combine number one and number four on this list, you can become either a producer of a personal fireworks show or a spectator at one. Shooting off fireworks over the water is the easiest way to prevent an accidental brush fire, and luckily, Florida has many waterways that allow for some amazing (possibly illegal) shows. Even if you're not the one to shoot them off, a day out on a boat sounds good all the same.
10. Cold treats, like Bomb Pops or snow cones.
You can keep up with the patriotic color theme with your popsicles or snow cone syrup. Consuming something that is both cold and sweet is the icing on the cake for the Fourth of July in Florida. Being outside for so long calls for you to treat yo'self to a symphony of blue raspberry and cherry processed, syrupy goodness.
How do you plan to spend your Fourth of July?
