Kid’s Craic: Independence Day is not the Only Day to Celebrate in July
By Megan Lardie
Did you know that there are several holidays in July?
The 4th of July or Independence Day is, of course, the big one, and personally, my favorite! Other holidays celebrated in July are Canada Day, for our friends to the North; International Joke Day; and World UFO Day.
There are numerous days to celebrate food in July: National Fried Clam Day, National Fried Chicken Day, National French Fry Day, National Mac & Cheese Day, Corn Fritter Day, Hot Dog Day, and National Lasagna Day, just to name a few. There are also several days in July to celebrate desserts! There is National Strawberry Sundae Day, World Chocolate Day, National Sugar Cookie Day, National Pecan Pie Day, National Ice Cream Day, National Lollipop Day, and even a National Gummie Worm Day! Who knew? There are even more holidays celebrated in July that are too numerous to mention, but you can look over the list at this website: July Holidays 2021 – National Today
In the United States, July 4th is the day we celebrate our independence from Great Britain. This meant that the United States no longer had to follow the rules of Great Britain. We declared our independence in 1776, which may seem like a really long time ago, but the United States is a fairly young country when you think about it.
It is believed that Iran is the oldest country on the planet, dating back to 3200 BC, which makes it to be a little over 5,000 years old. The United States will be celebrating only its 245th birthday this year! The Republic of Ireland became independent of Great Britain in 1922 and was officially declared a republic in 1949. So, how old is Ireland?
Why do we celebrate with fireworks? Fireworks became part of Independence Day celebrations right from the beginning. On July 4, 1777, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the first organized celebrations took place. All the armed ships were decorated with red, white, and blue streamers and sailed up the river past the city. Each ship’s cannon fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies.
The festivities carried on throughout the night and included a fancy dinner, a military demonstration, and a concert. At the end of the night there was a huge show of fireworks which started and ended with thirteen rockets.
How do you celebrate? However you celebrate, always remember the men and women who fought long and hard for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans today.
In the book, The 4th of July Story, author Alice Dalgliesh transports young readers back to revolutionary times, back before the fireworks and parades, to the time of colonists who desired freedom. Using simple text, the author tells of how the excitement of Independence traveled up and down the 13 colonies.
In the book, The Fighting Ground, by Avi, a young thirteen-year-old boy named Jonathan sees the Revolutionary War unfolding around him and he wants to be a part of it with his father and cousin. Even though his father has been wounded at battle and he refuses to let Jonathan join the front lines. That does not stop Jonathan. When the tavern bell rings calling all soldiers to join, Jonathan rushes to enlist without telling his dad. With a gun in hand, Jonathan marches onward to the battlefield. In a short amount of time, his life will be forever changed. Listen or follow along with this YouTube version. The Fighting Ground(FULL AUDIO BOOK) – YouTube
Marshmallow Fruit Dip
Summer is a great time to enjoy fresh fruit and this dip makes it even more yummy!
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup cherry yogurt
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme
Assorted fresh fruit
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and yogurt until blended. Fold in whipped topping and marshmallow creme. Serve with fruit of your choice.
Lardie’s Laughs
Q: What do you get when you cross a shark with a snowman? A: Frostbite
Q: Why can’t basketball players go on vacation? A: They would get called for traveling
Gab in Gaelic
Nothing is done without effort = Tada gan iarracht (pron: taw-dah gonn ear-ockt)
