📅 What's Happening Powell June 27th

June 27th

Author

Sandra Gebhardt
June 27, 2024

What's Happening Powell Newsletter

Trivia Question❓

What year did the United States declare independence from Great Britain?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Local Powell Events

Joke Of The Week

Why did the British person wear a redcoat to the Independence Day party?

Because he wanted to be the life of the "tea" party!

A Glimpse into History and Staying Sun-Safe This 4th of July

As we gear up for the 4th of July celebrations, it’s a perfect opportunity to reflect on the rich history of Independence Day and consider essential sun safety tips to ensure a joyful and healthy holiday weekend.


The Roots of Independence Day

Independence Day, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, marks a pivotal moment in American history. This day celebrated the colonies’ declaration of independence from British rule, led by figures like Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Did you know that both Adams and Jefferson, who were instrumental in the drafting of the Declaration, died on July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after its signing? This coincidence underscores the deep historical significance of the day.


While the 4th of July is synonymous with fireworks and parades today, the first celebrations weren't much different. The first official 4th of July party took place in 1777, in Philadelphia, featuring fireworks, bells, and even ships adorned with red, white, and blue bunting.


Staying Sun-Safe

As you partake in outdoor festivities, remembering to protect yourself from the sun’s harsh rays is crucial. Here are a few tips to stay sun-safe:

- Sunscreen is a Must: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.

- Hydrate Regularly: Keep dehydration at bay by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you consume caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.

- Seek Shade: Enjoy the outdoor activities from under a canopy or umbrella during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

- Wear Protective Clothing: Don a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection, and loose, light-colored clothing to reflect the sun’s rays.


This 4th of July, as we celebrate freedom and the founding ideals of the nation, let's also commit to our health and safety. Enjoy the historical reflection and the vibrant fireworks, but remember to stay shaded, hydrated, and sun-protected!


Business Spotlight

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Tips of the Week

7 helpful tips that for celebrating the 4th of July, focusing on festive fun and safety:


1. Grill Safely: When firing up the barbecue, make sure it's set up in an open, ventilated area and keep a firex extinguisher or a bucket of sand nearby for emergencies. Always supervise the grill when in use.


2. Pet Care: The noise of fireworks can scare pets. Keep them safe and comfortable by creating a calm environment inside your home and ensuring they have identification tags in case they escape.


3. Firework Safety: If you're setting off your own fireworks, do so legally and safely. Wear protective eyewear, light fireworks one at a time, and maintain a safe distance from spectators.


4. Hydration: July can be very hot, so keep plenty of water available for yourself and guests, especially if alcohol is being consumed.


5. Sun Protection: Apply and reapply sunscreen every two hours during outdoor activities. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes from UV rays.


6. Traffic Planning: The 4th of July is a busy travel time. Plan your routes in advance and consider leaving early or staying late to avoid heavy traffic.


7. Respect the Flag: If you display the American flag, do it respectfully. The flag should not touch the ground, and be illuminated if it's flown at night. Review the U.S. Flag Code for more guidelines on proper flag etiquette.


These tips are designed to ensure that your 4th of July celebrations are not only fun and festive but also safe and respectful. Enjoy the holiday!

Interesting Facts

Here are seven interesting facts about Independence Day, which celebrate the history and traditions associated with the 4th of July:


1. Two Founding Fathers Died on July 4th: Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who were instrumental in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, died on the same day, July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration.


2. The Date on the Declaration: Although July 4th is celebrated as Independence Day, the Continental Congress actually voted for independence on July 2nd. The Declaration of Independence was approved and dated on July 4th but wasn’t signed until August 2nd, 1776.


3. First Official Celebration: The first ever official 4th of July party was held at the White House in 1801 hosted by Thomas Jeffexrson.


4. Unofficial and Official: Congress only declared July 4th as an official holiday in 1870, nearly a century after the nation was founded.


5. Massive Consumption: July 4th is the biggest hot dog holiday of the year, with Americans reportedly consuming about 150 million hot dogs on this day alone.


6. Philippine Independence: Interestingly, July 4th is also an important date in the Philippines, which celebrated its Independence Day to commemorate their liberation from the U.S. by the U.S. in 1946. However, in 1962, they changed their Independence Day to June 12.


7. Fireworks Tradition: The tradition of setting off fireworks on the 4th of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day. It is believed that John Adams envisioned fireworks as a part of the festivities.


These facts offer a glimpse into the deep and varied history of the 4th of July, reflecting its importance as a symbol of freedom and celebration in the United States.

Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved

- 1 cup blueberries

- 1 cup white peaches or apples, chopped

- 2 tablespoons honey

- Juice of 1 lemon

- Fresh mint leaves for garnish


Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine strawberries, blueberries, and white peaches or apples.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and lemon juice until well combined.

3. Drizzle the honey-lemon dressing over the fruit and gently toss to coat.

4. Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing and colorful addition to your 4th of July feast.

Patriotic Pretzel Sparklers

Ingredients:

- Large pretzel rods

- White chocolate, melted

- Red, white, and blue sprinkles

- Miniature American flags for decoration (optional)


Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Dip each pretzel rod into melted white chocolate, covering about half the length of the pretzel.

3. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle the red, white, and blue sprinkles over the chocolate to create a festive pattern.

4. Place the decorated pretzels on the parchment paper and allow the chocolate to harden completely.

5. Optionally, attach a miniature American flag to the top of each pretzel rod using a small dab of melted chocolate.

6. Serve these Patriotic Pretzel Sparklers as a fun and festive treat at your 4th of July party.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

The United States declared independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776.