TouristTrap

I wanted to reply.

We usually have a huge picnic with about 30 friends at the local country club - they open up the golf course for it. Then watch a fireworks display while eating watermelon. Have done it for about 8 years now, bunches of fun as we get to catch up with folk we haven't seen for a while

Adnams

Does anyone have to ask what I'll be doing?

another bloody yank

That does sound like fun! My somwhat wealthy Uncle used to have abig deal every year at his house. He would invite the whole family (He is one of 8 boys and 9 girls, my Father being another of the boys) which by now is over 100 people and have a big catered BBQ. He would hire a band and usually have some sort of a "surprise". One year he flew in a Polyneisian style dance troupe from California, another year he had parachutists land in his yard! The adults all got to catch up and theh kids got to swim in the pool all day. The last thing is a professional fireworks display. The whole neighborhood gets to enjoy this!

With that many people in the family we don't get many opportunities to get everybody together. Unfortunately, he's not not having it this year. He said he was out of ideas. I understand though, it was a tremendous expense and hassle.

tony126

Probably having a celebratory drink for my son's divorce if all goes well. His hearing is on the 4th. Other than that just enjoying the day.

Bob

the missus is working...and i've the day off, don't have any plans but to relax, as we'd have just gone alpha and crunch will be off, well for a couple days till E3 and stuff....that and to broke to go anywhere.

jumping doris

This is our first July 4th at home. Last year we were at Disneyworld and I expected them to make a big thing of it, but they didn't.

So, I don't know what we will do. There are some fireworks nearby but I suspect that if it's a nice day we may just chill out as OH gets hardly any time off.

I'm never quite sure what to do on US holidays as they don't really mean anything to us and so it's hard to summon up that sense of anticipation.
It makes me feel quite left out.

I would quite like to hang loads of the red, white and blue swag stuff off our balcony and porch but I'm not sure if it will look as though I am taking the p**s. We have a retired Naval Commander next door but one who is very flag sensitive.

I keep seeing signs for Flag retirement ceremonies...what are they?

TouristTrap

Bugger him. Just decorate if you want to. Most cities have huge fireworks displays somewhere around that you can catch. No expats around your area you can invite for a BBQ?

I think it takes time to 'get' the holidays but they're a bunch of fun eventually.

TouristTrap

Aw sorry to hear that Bobster. It sucks to be young and studying still, but worth it in the end. (can't believe I understood all that for a change)

Hug to you and your wonderful wife

rincewind

Nothing as far as I know. Just another day on the calendar.

TRPardoe

As one of two token furriners in the office (the other is Canadian) I am working the day, but afterwards:

Dig a hole in a neighbor's back yard, roast a whole pig, invite lots of people around, drink beer, climb on the roof of a 2-storey treehouse whilst drunk, cut gaps in the foliage in 2 directions and watch fireworks on 2 bridges at the same time.

Never get that in the UK.

mandpete

We're not doing much during the day. In the evening we're going with a group of friends for a picnic at the local university and watching the huge firework display the township puts on every year. We always have a good time and the firework display is better than the one we saw on 4th July one year at Disney.

Elvira

It's what they do if a flag becomes to old to be displayed.

There's a whole protocol of what you are allowed or not allowed to do with it...

britvic

pretty sure I wouldn't want to.

TouristTrap

You spent too much time in Africa. The sun did something to your head. Whole roast pig sounds great. Last time I had it was for my engagement party decades ago

willmore

Dont forget July 1st - Canada Day! We're 140 years old!