About Fourth of July Barbecues

Grab the barbeque, gather family and friends and get ready for a Fourth of July extravaganza. On the Fourth of July, the United States of America celebrates Independence Day.
It marks the day, July 4, 1776, that the country declared its independence from Great Britain during the American Revolution. July 4th officially became a paid federal holiday for employees across the nation in 1931, allowing Americans everywhere to celebrate the holiday and enjoy Fourth of July barbeques with no financial or work consequences. Read below to learn more about Fourth of July barbeques.

Types

Fourth of July barbeques are one of the highlights of the celebration of Independence Day, and it is all about--naturally--the food. Americans across the country fire up grills and slather barbeque sauce on ribs and chicken. They grill up hamburgers, veggie burgers, turkey burgers and hot dogs, and serve it on tables covered with decadent side dishes and desserts.
Families whip up their specialties, from potato salad and corn on the cob to peach cobbler and apple pie. While there are many types of foods served across the country at Fourth of July Barbeque celebrations, traditional American barbeques generally serve up barbequed meats like ribs and chicken, as well as potato salad, potato chips and cole slaw for side dishes and apple pie for dessert.

Considerations

Music is also an essential part of a Fourth of July barbeque. So, along with your music faves, don't forget the patriotic music during your Fourth of July Barbeque. While barbeque celebrations across the country blast music from their favorite artists from country to hip hop to rap to pop, songs about our country can give a Fourth of July celebration a more patriotic edge. If you're confused about what songs to add to your patriotic barbeque, create a Fourth of July play list with "Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue," "America the Beautiful," and "You're a Grand Old Flag."

Features

In addition to the food and music at Fourth of July barbeques, entertainment is also an essential part of the celebration. American celebrations tend to stick to tradition when they celebrate this holiday, with games like throwing horseshoes, pin the tail on the donkey, bob for apples and water-drenched fun games like the water balloon toss. Apple pie-eating contests are also a fun addition to Fourth of July barbeques, and trivia games can also add a patriotic aspect to the celebration.

Time Frame

While preparation for the food for 4th of July barbeques can start as early as the night before, the actual barbeque is traditionally held mid-afternoon and can last until late in the night, when fireworks light the sky.

Features

What would a Fourth of July barbeque be without fireworks? Usually after a Fourth of July barbeque, when attendees have had their fill of grub, they head outside for a fireworks show, or to a huge, spectacular fireworks show in the city. This usually signifies the end of the Fourth of July barbeque and the Independence Day celebration in its entirety.