By Debbie Smith Wagner
It’s summertime . . . and that means casual picnics, shorts weather and stunning Fourth of July fireworks. Summer is the season to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature and longer days with your family and friends. We collectively pause in early July to celebrate the independence of our nation with patriotic music, parades and lots of fun. I hope the reader responses to this month’s questions light your memory of summers past with colors and sparkles! “The elegance surrounding the party.”
What are your favorite memories of Fourth of July picnics or cookouts?
“Seeing the cousins . . . and the food, of course! My late husband liked cucumber salad, which his grandmother always made with vinegar dressing and mayonnaise.”
– Janice Treat Snow, Pittsburgh
“Honoring the veterans that give their all so we can live on freedom. Display your flag and be proud that you are an American!”
– Adele Fatur, Zelienople
“When I was little, the neighbors all got together and had a picnic. What I loved the most were my mum’s homemade hot dog buns. They smelled delicious and tasted wonderful. And, of course the watermelon. I can still eat half of one on my own.”
– Linda Keller, North Sewickley, Beaver County
“My stepmom would make the best fried chicken for our day at the park.”
– Sabina Simpkins, Beaver County (and Florida)
“Every year, we’d watch the fireworks from my parent’s backyard, which overlooks the Kiwanis Park in Shaler.”
– Rachel Fields, Pittsburgh
“Corn on the cob, singing ‘God Bless the USA’, decorating with flags, buying sparklers for the kids, watching the movie ‘Independence Day’ and marching in parades with the Beaver Falls Tigerettes.”
– Debbie Ferrigno Black, Chippewa
“Burgers on the grill, hearing ‘America the Beautiful’ and sparklers.”
– Kathie McHale, North Sewickley
“Hot dogs and potato salad, sparklers and hearing
‘R-O-C-K in the USA’ on the radio.
– Kelly Harper, Monaca
“Eating BBQ food and the classic bomb pop.”
– Erika Schaltenbrand, Wexford
Vintage Debbie is a vintage history buff and performance artist with a unique style of era-specific music, dance and dress. She entertains area seniors through an interactive and fun music memory experience in Beaver, Lawrence and Butler counties. To learn more, follow Vintage Debbie’s World on Facebook, search Vintage Debbie’s music videos on YouTube, or view videos of her performances by visiting pittsburghseniornews.com. To book her for an event, email wagner.debbie@ymail.com.