How to Have a Fourth of July picnic in Wisconsin

Celebrating our Nation's freedom should not impede yours. Do not let Wisconsin's unpredictable weather stop you from having a memorable and fun fourth of July picnic. Here's some practical ideas to have a fun picnic no matter what the weather.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Torches
• Beverages
• Blankets
• Candles
• Insect Repellent
• Jacket
• Poncho
• Food
• Screen tent
• Table
• Chairs
• Plastic Wrap
• Towels
• Napkins
• Clips
• Cooler

1. 
   Water is fun, but be safe.

   Pick your location carefully. Keep in mind it may rain, be cool or be windy that day, even though it is the fourth of July. Choose spots with shade, trees or even a shelter. If you are having the picnic at a home, set up chairs or tables in a garage or sun room so you will not have to move into the house in case of inclement weather. Keep in mind the number of people you need to fit into one area.

2. Send out invitations as soon as you decide on having a picnic, preferably at least a month in advance. Summer calendars fill quickly in Wisconsin since the season is short. Set a specific RSVP deadline. Follow up by email and phone if you do not hear back from your invitees.

3. Prepare for mosquitoes and sun by spraying yourself and young children with insect repellent and sunscreen. Spray the area with a fogger before your guests arrive. This will ensure insects will not spoil your fun.

4. Find a place where you can watch the fireworks, even if you need to move from your picnic area. Agree on a meeting place for your group and bring your chairs, jackets and blankets. Light citronella candles if you are able to or spray on more insect repellent, as the insects tend to be worse at dusk. If it is rainy, put on your poncho.

5. Have everyone bring a dish to pass and the host can provide the meat and a place to grill. Check ahead of time if the park has grills, or bring a portable grill of your own. Put the food inside a screen tent and coolers if you have them. Do not keep your food out past about 45 minutes of serving time. Cover all dishes and never put food directly in the sun.

6. Set up games for the kids and a safe place to play away from the water. If you are going in the water, reapply their sunscreen. And, designate some teens or adults specifically to watch the kids. Also, set the kids up in a buddy system.If all else fails, have a rain date.

Tips & Warnings

• Check in the newspaper for fourth of July parties open to the public. These are great for families and a lot of fun for kids.
• Display a photo board or use a digital picture frame.
• Have a portable DVD player on hand for home movies.
• Encourage others to bring recent photos and albums.
• Do not spray insect repellent around food or animals.
• Check with the parks and localities to see what their alcohol ordinances are.
• Use dishes with mayonnaise sparingly.
• Serve foods that are not as prone to food poisoning and do not have to be kept at a certain temperature.

[jull14]

on 7/6/2009 Thank you for sharing this information with me, it is very interesting, helpful for many here at ehow and the article is well written and easy to follow, thanks so much.

[amylaine]

on 5/29/2008 fun