Fourth of July Memories
Instructions: Step back into red-white-and-blue backyards, small-town parades, and evening fireworks — how many of these Independence Day traditions do you remember?
- 1.
What John Philip Sousa march, later designated the National March of the United States, is still a Fourth of July concert staple?
AStars and Stripes ForeverBThe Washington Post MarchCSemper FidelisDNational Emblem March - 2.
What red-fleshed summer fruit, sliced thick and eaten outdoors, was a must at Fourth of July picnics?
ACantaloupeBWatermelonCHoneydew melonDPineapple - 3.
What backyard cooking device, popularized after Weber introduced its round kettle design in 1952, became central to Fourth of July cookouts?
AGas stoveBElectric griddleCCharcoal grillDSmoker oven - 4.
What 1976 nautical event brought tall sailing ships from around the world into New York Harbor as part of the nation's Bicentennial celebration?
AFleet WeekBAmerica's CupCThe Tall Ships RaceDOperation Sail - 5.
What small hand-held firework, considered gentle enough for children to hold, lit up backyards on Independence Day evenings?
ASparklersBBottle rocketsCRoman candlesDM-80 firecrackers - 6.
What long-running competitive eating event, held every Fourth of July at a restaurant on Coney Island, challenges contestants to eat hot dogs in a set time?
AThe Great American Pie Bake-OffBNathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating ContestCThe Coney Island Clam BakeDThe Boardwalk Corn Dog Challenge - 7.
What Boston tradition pairs an orchestra playing Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, complete with real cannon fire, with fireworks over the Charles River each Fourth of July?
AThe Esplanade JubileeBThe Charles River GalaCThe Boston Pops Fireworks SpectacularDThe Symphony on the Charles - 8.
What patriotic song, written as a poem by Katharine Lee Bates after she visited Pikes Peak, was a favorite at Fourth of July sing-alongs?
AThe Star-Spangled BannerBMy Country 'Tis of TheeCGod Bless AmericaDAmerica the Beautiful - 9.
What festive dessert, topped with strawberries and blueberries arranged to look like the American flag, became a popular Fourth of July treat?
AFlag cakeBAngel food cakeCRed velvet cakeDIce box cake - 10.
What famous Philadelphia bell, associated with the Declaration of Independence, is traditionally tapped rather than rung each Fourth of July morning?
AThe Freedom BellBThe Liberty BellCThe Independence BellDThe Constitution Bell - 11.
What word describes the strips of red, white, and blue fabric draped along porch railings and storefronts for Independence Day?
AStreamersBGarlandCBuntingDPennants - 12.
What activity did many children do to get ready for a small-town Fourth of July parade, weaving colored paper through the wheels?
APainting wagonsBBuilding soapbox derby carsCMaking pinwheelsDDecorating bicycles with crepe paper - 13.
What 1942 film, starring James Cagney as entertainer George M. Cohan, helped keep classic patriotic tunes popular for decades of Fourth of July celebrations?
AYankee Doodle DandyBHoliday InnCMeet Me in St. LouisDThis Is the Army - 14.
Which 1976 Bicentennial coin featured a colonial drummer boy circled by thirteen stars on its reverse side?
AThe Bicentennial half dollarBThe Bicentennial silver dollarCThe Bicentennial quarterDThe Bicentennial nickel - 15.
What community event, common in small American towns since the 1800s, featured floats, marching bands, and fire trucks rolling down Main Street on July 4th?
AA block partyBA county fairCA carnivalDA Main Street parade
Answer Key
Sousa composed Stars and Stripes Forever in 1896, and Congress officially named it the National March of the United States in 1987.
Watermelon's peak growing season lines up perfectly with July, making it a picnic-table favorite for generations.
The Weber kettle grill, invented by George Stephen in 1952, helped turn charcoal grilling into a backyard holiday tradition.
Operation Sail, or OpSail '76, gathered majestic tall ships in New York Harbor on July 4, 1976, drawing millions of spectators.
Sparklers burn more slowly and with less force than aerial fireworks, which is why families let kids hold them under supervision.
Nathan's Famous, founded on Coney Island in 1916, has hosted its hot dog eating contest as a Fourth of July tradition for decades.
Conductor Arthur Fiedler began free Esplanade concerts in 1929, and in 1974 the 1812 Overture, cannon fire, and fireworks were added, turning the July 4th concert into a beloved spectacular.
Bates wrote the poem in 1893 after viewing the sweeping vista from Pikes Peak in Colorado, and it was later set to music.
A whipped-cream-frosted sheet cake decorated with berry stripes and stars, flag cake became a patriotic potluck favorite.
Because of its famous crack, the Liberty Bell is gently tapped rather than swung, as bells across the country ring out in response.
Patriotic bunting, often pleated in stripes of red, white, and blue, has decorated American buildings for holidays since the 1800s.
Weaving red, white, and blue crepe paper through bicycle spokes and handlebars was a beloved way for kids to join the neighborhood parade.
Cagney won an Academy Award for his portrayal of songwriter George M. Cohan, performing hits like 'You're a Grand Old Flag.'
The 1776-1976 quarter's drummer boy design, by artist Jack L. Ahr, showed up in pocket change nationwide during the Bicentennial year.
Main Street parades with local bands, veterans, and decorated floats have been a hometown Fourth of July fixture for generations.