Fourth of July Celebrations Should Work Over Your Weekend

By James Sheldon on July 1st, 2011

Today is Canada Day. Were you aware?

Do you really need a better excuse to bail from work early, and celebrate our neighbors to the north? 2011 was simply built for a 4-day weekend in early July.

If you get any grief from management, simply offer your boss a sixer of Molson Candian with that pretty, red, white and blue label and strangely, the Canadian brew will make them nostaligic for the Fourth of July. Then, simply back out of the office slowly…say you’re going to bathroom…and leave.

Once your weekend starts, your geographic location will greatly determine your options for Fourth of July celebrations.

Living in the land of “No Fireworks” is certainly made easier by having instant access to a little body of water known as the Pacific Ocean, or man-made parks like Raging Waters and Magic Mountain; however, nothing can replace the memories of friends getting shot by Saturn missiles, or creating some stellar bottle rocket and roman candle guns out of Legos–design and execution that make airsofters look like pansies.

No, we at Manolith are not recommending or suggesting such, boys and girls–just stating that when fireworks are around, the brain becomes exempt from checks and balances.

Please do wear eye protection while enjoying your jack/and/or/dumbassery.

It all began on July 2, 1776, and culminated on the 4th. One of my favorite quotes by John Adams proves just how fascinating present perspective is:

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.

He wrote that in a letter to his wife, Abigail. Regardless of being “off” by about 48 hours, he drove the nail home with one swing of the hammer.

We don’t just celebrate the day. It’s now a small “season” surrounded by several days of parties, BBQs and a gathering of red, white and blue.

**Your quick tip from the Manolith crew: When cooking with charcoal, the coals only stay on fire for a short amount of time. They’re not supposed to be on fire when you’re cooking over them. Once they ash over, they’re ready to go. A little test: Hold your hand over the coals. If before five seconds you’re quickly removing your hand and squealing for mercy, they’re ready to cook! This will save you from looking the fool when people are really jonesing for their burgers and dogs.