Growing up the 4th of July was my very favorite holiday. It was so original and festive on Cape Cod. The parade down Main Street started the day off, led by our own marching band dressed in red band uniforms with navy piping and out in the very front was the band leader dressed in white and a topcoat all trimmed with gold braid and carrying a marching baton. He was our own Music Man. The parade had a theme every year and businesses in town would create a float matching the theme. At the end of the parade, the floats would be judged and ribbons would be given for first through third prize. Clowns would walk the parade length squirting spectators with water from the flower in their lapels. A jalopy chugged down Main Street, would stop and then it would rear up on its back tires just like a rearing horse. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and local summer camps would have small groups marching carrying their insignia banner. It was very festive and a lot of fun and we knew the parade was over when we saw the single fire engine bringing up the rear.
Later on there were pancake and blueberry festivals, speed boat races on the pond my house overlooked, and sailboat races in Stage Harbor. And day ended on the 4th with the first band concert of the summer, the only one that wasn't in the bandstand in the center of town, rather it was at the sports field at the school in town, the one just below the Fire Department. This was followed by fireworks which we all watched lying on blankets facing the sky. It was a truly magical, exciting day.
The 4th of July in 2020 is quite different. Fireworks are all cancelled as are most parades. And festivals are discouraged given the challenges to social distancing. But Peter and I are celebrating our way. First we're watching "Yankee Doodle Dandy" with James Cagney (the patriotic ending always makes us cry). Then we having a 4th of July feast of Alaskan Kin Crab Legs with lemon butter, Roasted Shrimp Louis, Tuna Sashimi and Black Bean and Corn Salad with Chipotle-Honey Vinaigrette.
Happy 4th of July everyone. We hope you are being creative in finding safe ways to celebrate our Independence Day!
Nice mask, Claudia; hope this holiday.....and all of life return to "normal" soon!
Posted by: Mary Tanaskovic Bitting | Monday, July 13, 2020 at 06:33 AM
I hope you had a wonderful feast and 4th!! Although not the same as years past, it was a wonderful summer day.
Posted by: Nancy Lanzoni | Sunday, July 05, 2020 at 07:05 AM
Very different July 4th up here this year, remember those parades with Chatham band and whit very well!
Posted by: Fran | Saturday, July 04, 2020 at 01:51 PM