Fourth of July Traditions {Life}

Independence Day is a time to honor and give thanks for our incredible country.  It is also the perfect excuse to gather with friends and family and celebrate summer.  The Fourth of July is a holiday thick with traditions.  Barbecues, family reunions, and glorious fireworks fill many memories each summer.

We don’t often share our personal photos on the blog, so we thought it would be fun to share the Inspiration Mississippi team’s July 4th traditions with all of you!

“I grew up in an amazing neighborhood, Millcreek, that had a wonderful 4th of July parade every summer.  So, being a horse lover, it only seemed appropriate that my horse was a part of the parade!  Aaron, our horse, would let us dress him up and he would proudly prance around the neighborhood with me riding bareback.  Some of our favorite memories are family, faith and celebrating American traditions with hot dogs, marshmallows and lightning bugs.  I sure love a MISSISSIPPI summer and God bless the USA!”  Kendall Poole Ellis, Publisher

“Our Fourth of July celebrations have always been very "Mississippi."  We go out to our family's lake house and spend the day on the water or outside.  Our menu was pretty consistent every year and still is to this day:  BBQ ribs & chicken, baked beans, corn on the cob picked fresh from our farm, some kind of salad, watermelon, pies and homemade ice cream.  At night we either shoot fireworks or all load up and go see a fireworks show.  My mom always makes sure that we have some patriotic music blaring and you're not really invited if you aren't wearing red, white or blue!” Emily Ferguson, Creative Director

“We run in the Watermelon Classic.  It’s a 4th of July race and we love to dress up.  This year we are wearing tanks with bald eagles with mullets that say, ‘Murica’ ha ha!  My mom is the mastermind behind all of our costumes.  My dad runs with us, but he doesn’t dress up like we do!”  Alexis Davis, Event Director

“My favorite memories from the 4th were made in the kitchen, covered in flour and sugar, baking cobblers and pies with my daddy.  He is an incredible cook and I have a serious sweet tooth, so it’s no surprise it’s my favorite holiday tradition.  When I was four-years-old, we created a huge cobbler and decorated it with beautiful crust in the shape of the American Flag.  Our cobbler won first prize in the 4th of July neighborhood baking contest, and I was beyond thrilled.  We have continued our tradition, and now my daughter, Marguerite, loves to bake with her Grandpapa just as much as I do!”  Mitchell Walters, Editorial Director

“Every July 4th, my father and I go down to the midtown Farmer’s Market in Jackson and buy a watermelon from Dorris Berry.”  Caitlyn Sullivan, Social Media Director

We are eager to hear what you love to do on the 4th!  Please share your stories and photos on our Facebook Page here!  We at Inspiration Mississippi wish you all a happy, healthy and memorable 4th of July!

{Blog by Mitchell Walters}