The Fourth of July is upon us, and millions of Americans will be firing up a barbeque, getting the family together, going to parades and fireworks or – for a patriotic few – reading out the Declaration of Independence. YouGov has asked what Americans will be doing to celebrate Independence Day, and for most it will be an opportunity to spend time with their families.
But a number of people we asked said they would not be taking part in the Fourth of July celebrations – so we asked why, and what they would be doing if they were taking part. Some people had to work that day, or were put off by work the next day, but said they would otherwise be joining in with the festivities. But many of those who had the day off said they would prefer to spend their holiday relaxing at home. Here’s what our respondents had to say.
Q: How are you celebrating Independence Day?
I will be celebrating July the Fourth by...
“Going to the beach with friends and family and watching fireworks” Ivan, Miami Beach
“Annual celebration and potluck picnic with family and friends at a camp on the St. Lawrence River” Connie, Ogdensburg, NY
“My family and I are going into town to watch the fireworks and listen to a band. The county government puts this on. This is one of the best fireworks displays I have ever seen.” Fran, Spencer, TN
“We always gather with family and friends at a rural property. There are flags, patriotic readings, and prayers - and then food! Our FAVORITE holiday of the year” Anon.
“Go to Boston to hear the Declaration of Independence read at the Old State House, barbeque with friends, then fireworks” Diane, Saugus, MA
“Extended family will join us at vacation home. Dinner, games, fireworks” George, Rehoboth, DE
“I play clarinet with a local band; we have a gig that evening at a local area. I may also attend a friend's annual July 4 picnic at their house” Judith, Kansas City, MO
“Reading and sharing the Declaration of Independence” Anon.
“Reading the Declaration of Independence, burgers on the grill, and watching fireworks!” Greg, Olympia, WA
“Going to Washington DC to visit my son and hear the great concert and watch the fireworks” Kathleen, Reading, PA
“I will watch the local parade with friends and go to fireworks in the evening” Jane, Coralville, IA
“Patriot Guard motorcycle ride, BBQ, fireworks, friends and family” Kem, Eugene, OR
“Watching parades, putting up my service flag and the U.S. flag. Having cook out” Gary, Parkcity, KS
I won't be celebrating because...
“Too hot, I will stay inside with my cats and air conditioner” Sandra, Grantsville, WV
“Have to work.” Anon. , San Francisco, CA
“I just want to spend a quiet relaxing day at home.” Carmel, Maine
“There will be plenty of celebrating without my adding to it. I don't want to do anything special. It is too hard to do anything” Anon.
“Middle of the week holiday, will just use the day to do extra work in the house and relax” Marie, Staten Island, NY
“No money to do anything” Leisha, Savannah, GA
“I just like to stay home and watch the fireworks on TV” Cathyleen, Centerville, IN
“I'll be in school from 8 am to 6 pm in CA” Anne, Fort Lauderdale, FL
“Going to stay home, calm my dogs and watch for fires starting in my neighborhood” Laurie, Bayard, NM
“My son is in Afghanistan and comes home in September. I will celebrate then” Anon
If I were celebrating, I would...
"Stay at home, take a nap, read" Anon.
“Home with the family and grill” Doug, IN
“Enjoying the day off” Anon., San Francisco, CA
“BBQ and playing with things that go boom and light up the sky!” Anon.
“Watching Wimbledon” Anon.
“Spending time with my family, eating, playing games and having a good time” Sharrieh, Sparkman, IL
“Watch celebrations on TV and watch fireworks” Michael, Saint Paul, MN
