Resources for your Independence Weekend Celebration

Fourth of July, 2009

All over the United States people celebrate our Independence Day with bar-b-ques and fireworks. Here are some resources to enhance your holiday weekend:

1. Fun Facts
Table conversation won’t be boring with the U.S. Census Bureau’s list of fun facts about our Independence Day. Learn about where the traditional Fourth of July meals come from to how many U.S. places are called “America.” Online at:

http://tinyurl.com/fourthofjuly2009FunFacts

2. History
   One of our country’s national libraries, the Library of Congress, offers an extensive history of our Independence Day, online:

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/jul04.html

Also from the Library of Congress is a list of patriotic songs; their words and histories:

http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/ihas/html/patriotic/patriotic-home.html

3. Celebrations in and around Maryland
   USA.gov offers a list of resources that include places to celebrate, from National Parks to our Nation’s White House.
   
   http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Independence_Day.shtml
   
   

You can find more about events in the Maryland/Washington D.C. region on About.com, too:

http://dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/4thofJuly.htm

Events specific to Maryland, see:

http://dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/4thofJuly_2.htm

4. Family-style celebrations and food
USA.gov offers a list of recipes from famous Americans, child-friendly cooking ideas, healthy eating recipes, and even creative ideas for working with watermelons!

http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Health/Recipes.shtml

5. Crafts and Family Picnics
   Many ideas can be found on Kaboose, at:
   
   

http://holidays.kaboose.com/july-4/

6. Fireworks Laws
   Need to know the fireworks laws (what’s permitted and prohibited) in your state? A document (PDF) from the American Pyrotechnics Association is found at:
   
   http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Independence_Day.shtml
   
   
   
   

Have a safe and fun Fourth of July from all of us at Maryland AskUsNow!