10 things to do for 4th of July in Hawaii
 |
Video: Craft a patriotic star wreath |
By Zenaida Serrano
Advertiser Staff Writer
| |||
 |
|
||
| |||
|
|
||
| |||
|
|
||
| |||
|
|
||
| |||
|
|
||
| |||
|
|
||
| |||
|
|
||
Celebrating Independence Day might mean going to a patriotic parade, chilling at a backyard barbecue or enjoying an awesome fireworks display. That's how many Americans will observe this most American of holidays. What about you?
If you're still in need of a few ideas, here are 10 suggestions — including a crafts project to make with the kiddies, beach-going tips for the whole 'ohana, and a cool cocktail recipe to try — to satisfy July Fourth revelers of all ages.
Happy Independence Day.
(1) FIREWORKS AND MORE
Of course, it wouldn't be the Fourth of July without a parade or fireworks show. Here's what's going on islandwide:
(2) TRIVIA
On this day in 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, which started the first 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. What else do you know about Independence Day? Take this quick quiz, with information from the U.S. Census Bureau and www.ushistory.org.
1. In July 1776, about how many people were living in the country?
- 500,000
- 1.5 million
- 2.5 million
2. Where is the original Declaration of Independence on display?
3. A depiction of John Trumbull's famous painting, "Declaration of Independence," can be found on the back of which U.S. dollar bill?
(3) MUSIC & MOTION
Start the day with a workout — walk, run, bike — while listening to tunes full of Fourth of July spirit. Available from iTunes or Yahoo! Music: "Born in the USA" by Bruce Springsteen; "Living in America" by James Brown; "R.O.C.K. in the USA" by John Mellencamp; "American Music" by The Blasters.
(4) HIDE AND SEEK
Encourage your kids to get some fresh air with a scavenger hunt in your backyard. Hide flags, things with stars, and anything red, white and blue. Have the children work together to find the goodies.
(5) JULY FOURTH FLICKS
Staying in with the sweetie? Cozy up to a July Fourth-themed flick, such as "The Patriot," "Independence Day," "1776," "Johnny Tremain" or "Yankee Doodle Dandy."
(6) COOL COCKTAIL
Have a snazzier July Fourth soiree with this Fizzy Freedom Drink, from www.essortment.com.
Combine ingredients with ice in a shaker. Shake thoroughly, then strain into a tall glass. Fill rest of the glass with club soda and stir.
(7) GRINDS
Planning a barbecue? Get the grill going with more than the usual hot dog-and-burger fare. Try this refreshing treat — 20 minutes to prep, 4 minutes to cook — from grill master Bobby Flay:
Watermelon Slices With Lime-Honey Syrup
Place lime juice and honey in a saucepan and heat on the grates of a hot grill or side burners. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and chill. Place watermelon slices on a large platter and drizzle with the lime syrup and garnish with mint.
(8) JUST BEACH-Y
Why not take advantage of this day off with family time at the beach? Some tips from this month's issue of Parents magazine:
(9) KEIKI CRAFT
Help the little ones celebrate the holiday with this easy craft project from www.enchantedlearning.com. Make a patriotic paper star wreath. If you have many kids, they can cut out stars and write their names on them.
Supplies:
Cut a large hole in the paper plate. Cut out a lot of stars from red, white and blue construction paper. Glue the stars to the paper plate.
(10) PARTY!
Where to go after the fireworks have ended? Consider these places to continue your Independence Day celebration (call clubs for details):
QUIZ ANSWERS
1. 2.5 million. Today, the nation's population is about 302 million
2. Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom in Washington, D.C.
3. $2 bill.
Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com.
