The History of BBQ on the 4th of July
Jul 01, 2022
Also known as America’s most popular BBQing holiday, the 4th of July, Independence Day, is a day of great grilled food, family, friends, and fireworks. Did you know that it was only declared a National Holiday in 1941, even though Americans have celebrated it since the 1800’s? What is it about the 4th of July that is so synonymous with BBQ? To find out, let us explore the history of BBQ on the 4th of July.
200+ YEARS OF BBQ
Summer BBQ’s have been held since the 1800’s when colonists would smoke large animals over fire pits to preserve meat. This happened in the summertime when hunting was abundant.
By the 19th century, America was a little more established and politics started going full swing. Political leaders would host rallies, gathering people to hear their opinions by hosting massive barbecues. This move was especially popular with the Democrats in the southern states where these rallies would be held on Independence Day, which was not yet a National Holiday. Local farmers donated meat and simple food was served; sliced cucumbers, watermelon, early harvest vegetables, and fresh bread.
When people began to move from the country to a more suburban lifestyle, the community BBQ became a bit more of a family BBQ. Entrepreneurs saw an opportunity to market personal charcoal BBQ’s encouraging the shift from a political-community function to a backyard event.
Don’t forget an important part of your 4th of July celebration is showing your love for this great country by flying the red, white and blue. Old Glory will be celebrated and displayed this Independence Day, so show your love by flying the Real American Flag by North Bay Industries. Flying a flag made from 100% American grown Cotton is what your backyard cook out deserves.
Have a great 4th of July, from all of us at The Real American Flag!
Fourth of July Foods
Add some Fourth of July flair to your Independence Day BBQ with these patriotic foods.
Layered Red, White, and Blue Drink
A patriotic drink for the whole family from Oh My Creative.
Ingredients
- 32 oz. bottle White Cherry Powerade
- 32 oz. bottle Mixed Berry Powerade Zero
- 32 oz. Minute Maid Fruit Punch
- Patriotic Fun Straws
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a glass to the top with ice. You may use any size glass you like.
- First, slowly pour the fruit punch into the glass going about 1/3 of the way up. Pour to the side of the ice so the ice stays free of color.
- Next, very slowly pour the white cherry Powerade into the glass going about another 1/3 of the way up.
- Last, very slowly pour the mixed berry Powerade into the glass to the top.
Frozen Yogurt Stars
Cool off with these frozen yogurt bites.
Supplies and Ingredients
- Vanilla Yogurt
- Granola
- Red, White and Blue Candy Melts
- Wilton Silicone Star Mold
- Squeeze Bottle or Sandwich Bag
Instructions
- Use approximately 1/2 cup of granola and mixed it with 1 – 2 tablespoons of the vanilla yogurt. This will help bind the granola together.
- Take about a teaspoon of the granola mixture and press it into the bottom of the stars.
- Spoon in the vanilla yogurt overtop until the stars are full. Give the pan a little giggle now and then to help the yogurt settle.
- Pop them in the freezer.
- Once the stars are frozen, remove them from the freezer and let them sit for a few minutes. The stars should be easy to remove from the mold.
- To decorate, take a small sandwich bag and cut a tiny hole in the corner.
- Then melt the candy melts in the microwave, in small time increments, stirring in between.
- Once you have the right consistency, spoon the chocolate into the sandwich bag.
- Gently squeeze the bag creating a nice chocolate drizzle!
- Repeat with each color and pop back in the freezer until you are ready to severe!