The coronavirus outbreak has forced all of us to change the way we celebrate and socialize. Due to shelter-in-place orders, a current ban on large gatherings, and physical distancing mandates, we are missing out on how we traditionally celebrate special occasions and holidays. America’s birthday party is no different.
As holidays go, one might surmise the 4th of July isn’t one of the biggies, but not so in Sonoma. With the way our town commemorates the nation’s birthday, I’d put it right up there with the most important celebration of the year. I don’t know about you, but I’m mourning the fact our awesome town will not be having it’s annual parade this year. And no first-class fireworks show either. Our parade is not just any parade. Antique tractors, floats, and firetrucks circle the Plaza. A silly, irreverent, and patriotic river of citizens in trucks, wheelbarrows and bikes circle the square. Alas, it’s not to be this year. Even though we’re required to SIP, we don’t have to cancel the festivities all together. Just compromise with some isolation-friendly ways to celebrate the Fourth, making the holiday amazing right where you are.
Decorate the front of your house with red, white and blue banners and bunting easily sourced on Amazon. Demonstrate your patriotism and proudly fly the flag. Make your backyard an outdoor oasis serving as a relaxing way to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Host a socially distanced barbecue. (As of this writing, county orders allow up to ten people to gather.) Create a patriotic playlist. Put together a list of tunes that just make you feel all-American like Simon & Garfunkel’s “America” and Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” Or how about Bruce Springsteen’s “Born In the U.S.A” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” by Toby Keith. Light up the night sky with a DIY fireworks display. If you’re not up to the do-it-yourself project, opt for user-friendly, slow-burning sparklers.
So how are we going to make the day memorable? Few foods conjure up memories of 4th of July celebrations like watermelon. Since we’re sheltering at home, we’re taking it up a notch with thirst quenching tequila-soaked watermelon wedges. This grown-up dessert borrows flavors from the traditional margarita with an infusion of tequila, Triple Sec, and lime juice. Bonus: watermelon is 92 per cent water making it one of the most hydrating foods you can eat. That’s always a good idea when consuming alcohol. (Note: not kid-friendly. Be sure to identify these appropriately.)
It may not be the traditional 4th of July celebration we’ve come to know and love but no one can say it’s one we won’t remember. These memories will last us our lifetime. Happy Birthday America and God bless the U.S.A.