It’s my favorite time of year yet again: that special day when we all come together as Americans and celebrate our country’s founding by combining extreme patriotism with heavy drinking and incendiary devices. (Don’t do that!!)
It might surprise you to know that Washington, DC is probably the most patriotic place in America to celebrate Independence Day, right after my hometown, Marmakaukis, OH, where it is customary to paint all of the town’s pigs red, white, and blue and let them run through the streets in our annual parade.
But while D.C. lacks a spectacular pork parade, it does boast some amazing events: from fireworks to concerts to family-friendly festivals, the District literally has something for everyone.
I’ve once again tasked some of our resident interns here at The WISHington Post to give you their picks on how to spend the long holiday weekend.
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Bringing in the Fourth With Style – By Jacqueline Kay
Confucius once said, “Isn’t it a joy to have friends come from afar?” I couldn’t agree more. That’s why I’ll be adding a splash of international culture to my all-American holiday by spending it at the National Mall for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
It typically runs over two long weekends around the Fourth of July. The annual celebration of cultural diversity transforms the National Mall into a global bazaar with music, dancing, crafts and demonstrations exploring different cultures.
Be sure to check out festival.si.edu for the full schedule and details. I hope to see you there. I’ll be the one wearing a Hanfu and holding a sparkler.
Good Eatin’ is Good Fun – By Jackson Andrews
One of my favorite things about interning in the White House kitchen is that it is across the street from The Willard InterContinental Hotel. That’s where I’ll be for the 4th. (Surprise, surprise!)
The hotel decks out its lobby and opens its doors for a block party, and their acclaimed restaurant, Café du Parc, will offer up American barbecue classics and a crepe station. It’s the personal highlight of the night for me. All this will be set to a soundtrack of American tunes from a live rock band, to boot! That right there is what I call the icing on the sponge cake.
Old Glory In All its Glory- by Georgia Warrington
Most of the interns here probably don’t realize this but 2014 marks the 200th birthday of our national anthem. While I can appreciate some of the diversity in activities I’m reading here, I’m struck by how conventional some of their choices are. Not a criticism. To each their own.
However, if you want to see something truly special this July 4th, head on over to the National Museum of American History to behold the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key’s Star-Spangled Banner. Yes, the original American flag. On display for this summer only along with the original manuscript of the national anthem. It’s on loan from the Maryland Historical Society and will be displayed at the museum until July 6. I hope you’ll join me for a unique an amazing way to celebrate America’s birthday.
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If you haven’t noticed, Washington, DC is certainly the natural place to be this coming holiday weekend (if you can’t be home for your own livestock-themed celebration). Hopefully we’ve given you some quick ideas on some cool things you can do. Be sure to look up all the info about everything that’s going on in town over the next few days. Chances are there will be heavy crowds and even heavier security. So, have a great, fun – and most importantly – safe holiday weekend.
As in let people who KNOW how to use fireworks set them off, WOODY.
Happy 4th of July, everyone!