July! We're in the heat of summer now. This month brings to mind the "oohs" and "aahs" of fireworks, long, hot summer days by the pool, and dinners from the grill, complete with buttery corn on the cob. Yum. Here are 10 events and holidays you and your family will want to recognize in July:
Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
Did you know nearly 300,000 American kids are diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis? This isn't your grandma's arthritis though: Kids with juvenile arthritis deal with their bodies’ immune system attacking their joints, causing swelling, stiffness, and permanent damage. Find out how you can help. July 1-31
Canada Day
Oh, Canada. This is the day informally referred to as Canada's birthday. Much like America's July 4 holiday, Canadians celebrate the holiday with parades, festivals, barbecues, fireworks, and outdoor concerts. July 1
Independence Day
Americans commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776. July 4
Old School 4th of July at Fort Worden is minus the fireworks this year, but instead boasts a not-to-missed laser show. Live music, food, fun and more await you this 4th of July in Port Townsend.
4th of July Boat Parade — Sponsored by the Peninsula Yacht Club, boats decorated by yacht club members will fill the harbor to entertain spectators and honor our country’s freedom. The procession will be visible from the waterfront downtown, particularly at the Port Angeles City Pier.
Port Angeles 4th of July Celebration — Complete with parade, bands, and a fireworks display, the town of Port Angeles is pulling out all of the stops once again for this evening celebration in our picturesque waterfront town. For details, including parade routes and band information, visit the town’s event page.
Join your friends and family for a rousing 4th of July concert at Carrie Blake Park presented by the Sequim City Band. Stirring, inspirational music will fill the air from traditional pieces by John Philip Sousa, E.E. Bagley, and Karl King to swing music by Duke Ellington. A feature piece, ‘American Civil War Fantasy’, by Jerry Bilik is a collection of familiar American folksongs from the mid-19th century, which finishes with a wonderfully resonant ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’ representing the return of unity for the country. As is our tradition, military veterans, past and present, are recognized by our annual ‘Armed Forces Salute’ for their service to our country. Enjoy a traditional, small town patriotic concert in a park setting with the grandeur of the Olympic Mountains as the backdrop. Fun starts at 3 p.m. and is FREE.
4th of July BBQ at the Old Alcohol Plant with Stringology
Thursday, July 4th, 2019, 5:30PM
Old Alcohol Plant, 310 Hadlock Bay Road, Port Hadlock.
Head to Spirits Bar & Grill for Stringology. Acoustic Jazz in the style of Django Reinhardt Hot Swing, playing some old standards of the 30’s & 40’s with some Bossa, Latin and a few other surprises. Regular menu items available. 360-390-4017 www.oldalcoholplant.com
4th of July at Finnriver in Chimacum - Live music and food vendors from 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. Music starts at 3 p.m.
Macaroni Day
Don't make us throw elbows: Macaroni Day is a holiday that those of us at Macaroni Kid feel has all sorts of pastabilities. Celebrate by trying one of these yummy mac and cheese recipes from Macaroni Kid EATS! July 7
Teddy Bear Picnic Day
Did you know this holiday came about because of a children's song from 1907 called the "Teddy's Bear Picnic"? Round up the kids and their favorite stuffies to celebrate. Perhaps the menu calls for peanut butter and honey sandwiches, with gummy bears for dessert. July 10
Surprise Family Play Day
Shh! Don't tell! Macaroni Kid is planning a surprise family play day on July 13! What's a surprise family play day? It's a day where you surprise your kids in a creative, fun way first thing in the morning and then take them on an adventure! Find out more and be sure to use #MKPlayDay so we can see what fun your family had on Surprise Family Play Day! July 13
Where will we find you on this Surprise Family Play Day!? Stay tuned.
Shark Awareness Day
Shark facts to amaze your kids:
- There are more than 500 species of shark
- You're more likely to be killed by a falling coconut than by a shark attack
- 100 million sharks are killed each year by humans
How can your family help sharks? Learn about sharks and how important they are, and reuse and recycle. It's good for the sharks -- and the planet. July 13
National Hot Dog Day
Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggity dog. Today's a great day to fire up the grill and put out all the fixings for a hot dog bar. How creative can your family be? July 17
Where better to grab a delicious hot dog than on Water Street in Port Townsend at Dogs-A-Foot! Take your hot dog across the street to picnic and play at Pope Marine Park. What a way to spend a summer day!
Nelson Mandela Day
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead," Mandela once said. Nelson Mandela Day is meant as a day worldwide to honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela and his values through volunteering and community service. July 18
National Ice Cream Day
What more do we need to say? Get yourself a scoop. Or three. July 21
Hurry in to Elevated Ice Cream in Port Townsend to sample one of the many flavors of summer! In Sequim, check out the Sweet Spot for soft serve ice cream treats. In Brinnon, head to the Brinnon General Store for tubs of Olympic Mountain Ice Cream. If you're on Marrowstone Island, stop in at the Nordland General Store for ice cream treats on your way to Fort Flagler. If you're in Neah Bay, pop into Cedar Shack Espresso and Ice Cream.
Kara Murphy is the publisher of Macaroni Kid Erie, Pa.
