While he was off by two days with his prediction, John Adams definitely had the right idea about how to celebrate Independence Day.
John Adams, in a letter to his wife, Abigail: “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America.
I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.
It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”
So this year, we present to you: John Adams Inspired Independence Day Party Ideas.
1) Pomp It just wouldn’t be the 4th of July if you didn’t wear at least one item of red, white and blue. American’s are known for their Do-It-Yourself spirit, so grab a plain T and get the fabric paint out. Why not pump up the pomp and break out Bedazzler?
2) Parade Most every town hosts an Independence Day parade, so deck out your bike in streamers (no matter what your age) and ride along for the fun! The extra streamers can be used in your party décor.
3) Shows There’s no better time to enjoy an outdoor concert, followed by a fireworks display. Check your local listings for an outdoor venue. (Just don’t forget the glow sticks and bug repellant.)
Bonus: This is a project that older children are happy to do!
4) Games Nothing gets friends and family closer than a round of Twister. Cut a large circle in the bottom of a box to spray paint the “board game” right onto the lawn. You can even make it part of your party décor by spraying it in 4th of July colors of red, white, blue and light blue.
5) Sports “As American as baseball and apple pie” This 4th of July, combine these two and decorate an apple pie (store bought is OK) with a baseball pattern. Simply frost the pie with some white frosting and pipe on some red “stitches”.
6) Guns Safety first this 4th of July. Water blasters are a safe and fun way to cool off. But be prepared to get really wet; the latest “super soakers” are motorized, and some even come with a backpack water reservoir that can hold up to 100 oz.
7) Bells Surprise your guests with Funky Colored Flames. Just toss a pack into your fire pit for brilliant blue, green and purple flames. Get the kids involved and make some Liberty Bell cookies! These are super easy using store-bought premade dough. Simply roll it out with some flour and cut out cookies with a bell shaped (Christmas) cutter to shape. Decorate as you like.
8) Bonfires Make sure you have plenty of wood on hand for the backyard fire pit. To reduce smoke, use hardwoods in your fire pit, such ash, birch or oak.
Tip: Use a citronella votive to keep the bugs away and use hardwoods in your fire pit, such ash, birch or oak.
9) Illuminations Dollar store votive holders in red, white and blue are quick and easy 4th of July party decor.
We hoped you enjoyed these fun John Adams inspired Independence Day party ideas. Let’s all be safe this weekend! We here at EP Henry are proud to call America our home for over 110 years!