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Celebrate Summer with Games, Fireworks and Fun

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Real Estate Agent with HomeSmart 0561240
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Celebrate Summer with Games, Fireworks and Fun

 

Why do we Celebrate Independence Day with Fireworks?

  

In 1486, fireworks lit up the skies in England, celebrating the wedding of King Henry VII. It was the first time local crowds delighted in these sparkling, dazzling pyrotechnic displays at a national celebration. It was only the beginning. Europeans were enchanted by their introduction to fireworks from China – it’s no wonder that European settlers brought their love of fireworks displays with them to the new world.

History:
In China, people had been making “firecrackers” since the second century BCE by tossing bamboo into fires – the air trapped inside them would expand, heated by the fire, causing an “explosion” and a loud “bang!” Later, when they developed gunpowder between 600-900 CE, they quickly made improvements to their bamboo firecrackers, adding gunpowder for a bigger bang, then iron and steel shavings for sparkle. Today, most fireworks are still made in China, and they have mastered the art of oooos and ahhhhs.

Independence Day:
Fireworks have been part of Independence Day celebrations from the very first celebrations in Philadelphia in 1777 – in addition to flag ceremonies, parades, music, carnivals, and cookouts. Today, millions continue to celebrate with local parades and carnivals, cookouts with family and friends or festivals with street foods and refreshments, and public fireworks displays in communities across the country.

Looking Ahead:
While originally shown as royal displays, safer fireworks and public demand have resulted in relaxed laws around consumer fireworks in many areas, and consumer fireworks sales have now far surpassed display sales. Since the 1970’s toxic materials like lead have been removed, bases have been stabilized, and wicks are more uniform and reliable, all preventing many of the safety incidents of the past. But while countless consumers are overjoyed to have access to their own private fireworks celebrations, emergency responders caution us that although beautiful, fireworks are still dangerous, causing significant increases in emergency room visits and fire response calls every year around this time.

There are additional concerns as well, for example, dry conditions necessitating burn-bans, air quality impact, and the rising costs of display fireworks.

It’s unclear the future of fireworks displays, some communities are increasing their displays, making them bigger and better than ever before, while others are canceling them altogether. Some localities are exploring light displays and drone shows, and some are considering changing the nature of future celebrations, imagining something completely new.

Whatever the future holds, it’s easy to appreciate the impact this tradition has had across the globe, bringing communities together in fun and celebration.

  

Sources: geographical.co.uk & usnews.com

  
 
  

Raspberry Cream Pie

  

Ingredients

  
  • 25 chocolate sandwich cookies, such as Oreos, plus more crumbs for serving
  • 6 Tbsp. salted butter, melted
  • 1 1/4 c. raspberries, plus more for serving
  • 3 Tbsp. granulated sugar
  • 2 (6-oz.) containers raspberry yogurt
  • 1 (3.4-oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 c. heavy whipping cream
  • Whipped cream, to serve
 

Directions

  

1. To make the crust, preheat the oven to 350°F. Crush the cookies in a food processor (or smash in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin). Stir in the melted butter until all combined. Pour into a regular pie pan and press the crumbs all over the pan and up the sides. Bake for 3 to 6 minutes—just long enough for it to set. Cool the crust completely.
2. Place raspberries on a plate or in an empty pan. Smash them with a fork, then sprinkle on the sugar. Stir it all together and allow to sit for 15 minutes.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the yogurt with the pudding mix (just the powder itself). Beat on low speed until combined, about 1 minute. Pour in the cream and whip on low speed for 30 seconds. Stop the mixer and scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula. Turn the mixer on medium-high speed and beat until the mixture is thick, 2 minutes.
4. Turn off the mixer, then fold in the raspberries until just combined. Pour into the cooled pie pan and spread evenly. Freeze until very firm, 2 hours. Cut into slices and top each slice with cookie crumbs, dollops of whipped cream, and extra raspberries. Keep in the freezer, allowing time to thaw before serving.

  

Source: thepioneerwoman.com

  
 
  

Summer FUN with Vintage Backyard Games

  

With summer in full swing, we’ve got some great vintage game ideas to make your backyard barbecues the most fun events of the summer! Your friends and family will be racing to schedule your next get-together!

Why vintage games?
- Someone already has one of these games, no need to buy new.
- Nostalgia. Not only do they bring up great memories, but anyone who played these games in their youth is sure to have great stories to share.
- Simple to learn and easy to play, these games can be great across age groups.
- These games are great icebreakers and conversation starters.

Badminton
In many areas, badminton is a serious sport, but as a casual lawn game, there’s no need to be too serious about it. The net is lightweight and easy to set up, rackets are lightweight, and as few as 2 people can make a game of it. And if you don’t know someone who has a setup, they’re still widely available and inexpensive at stores that sell sporting goods.

Croquet
Croquet can be a little more complex for new players, but not only does someone you know probably have a set, but the rules for “Golf Croquet” are great for beginners, for lots of people, and for shorter playing periods.

Horseshoes
It doesn’t get much more vintage than this! Legend has it that horseshoes was played in Ancient Rome over 2000 years ago. All you need is some fairly level ground, a couple of stakes, and some horseshoes.

Frisbee
Whether casually tossing one around or playing a full-on team game, Frisbee is a long-time favorite. It’s hard to believe that a little flying disc, fashioned after tossing a cake pan or pie tin around, grew into such a well-known and widespread pastime, but we’re so glad it did!

Mini Golf
The most fun thing about backyard mini golf is that you can make a course from anything. There are sets you could buy, but you can just as easily choose random household items for tunnels, ramps, hoops, obstacles, and so on. In the 1920s, players were even building courses on their rooftops!
Now that you’ve got a couple of ideas, what games are you planning for your next backyard barbecue?

 

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Comments(3)

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Don Baker
Lane Realty - Eatonton, GA
Lake Sinclair Specialist

No fireworks in the celebrations this year for us, too dry to be safe.  Hopefully the neighbors get that too.

Jul 02, 2024 07:19 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much for the interesting history lesson and the recipe that I would love to sample.

Jul 02, 2024 08:52 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Shayne,

Summer time fun and we are in the throws of Summertime right now! With July 4th in just a few days many families are getting together to celebrate. Good post...well done!

Jul 02, 2024 09:34 AM
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