4th of July Barbecue Party Ideas

4^th of July Barbecue Party Ideas

I was raised in the south where the 4^th of the July celebration was always enjoyed in grand Texas style. Texas is the premiere state for delicious barbecue and big 4^th of July celebrations that include big parades with big marching bands prancing down the street in downtown Fort Worth. The Big Texas sized 4^th of July day ends with a spectacular fireworks display that can be seen all over the skies from almost any vantage point.

Years later, I find myself in Sacramento, California. I don't miss the big celebrations that are part of my southern heritage. In Sacramento, California we have created a new tradition of the big block party. The best way to get a variety of good food and fun is to sponsor a block party.

The 4^th of July block party in Natomas is legendary. Friends and neighbors from all over the area join with all ethnic and culturally diverse individuals who bring their favorite dish to the block party so we can sample and indulge ourselves while celebrating the 4^th of July. The celebration starts at noon and doesn't end until the sun goes down. We decorate our houses in red, white and blue to symbolize the colors of the American flag.

We enjoy a very culturally diverse community that comes together each year to enjoy the freedom, our differences and the common ground we share not only in our community but also our country. Some of the residents in this California community are not Native Americans but hold this country dear as a symbol of freedom from tyranny.

We start our 4^th of July celebration weeks in advance of the holiday. We arrange the music, the decorations, and the table craft for the kids. We have over twenty families that always participate in our block party. The more neighbors who participate the more fun the block party will be.