Alternative 4th of July

Some traditional elements of Independence Day celebrations are appealing and patriotic.

Displaying a flag in a yard or from a flag pole at home.

Freshly baked apple pie.

Community and togetherness.

As I passed fireworks sales stands on vacant lots all around Petaluma, advertising "TNT - Buy One, Get One Free" today, having seen the empty stands for a week before sales began on Friday, I wondered about alternatives.

It seems we are challenged to think beyond a "yes" on fireworks sales or a "no" on fireworks sales. Those who want the quite inaccurately described "safe and sane" fireworks seem unable to think beyond what the 4th of July would be like without explosive bomb sounds, colored lights in the night sky, shrill piercing whistling sounds and cap-firecracker sounds on July 4th.

Some say, if not our fireworks, then what?  I thought of a couple of alternatives to consider. As a health care professional and animal care provider, my inclinations toward health and wellbeing, along with considering animals in this equation, influence my thinking.  

1.  July 4th morning breakfast, a day away, and a great night's sleep.

Gather with friends at a local cafe or restaurant, support our local eateries, and enjoy a delicious and nutritious breakfast. Two of my favorites are Aqus Cafe at 2nd and H Street and Della Fattoria on Petaluma Boulevard North, although Della is closed Mondays. 

Before that, though, if you have a pet to walk, such as a dog, join a friend and take a long, early morning, cool walk at Shollenberger Park or in your favorite walking area to exercise, get your heart rate up and give your pet a nice outing, too. Both Aqus and Della provide bowls of fresh water for dog companions who accompany  owners or guardians to the eateries, and both have outdoor seating.  If not walking with your favorite pet, a brisk walk, a jog, a swim, exercise is a great way to jump-start the day.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the main July 4th outing for the day, return home for a few errands or needs, and then enjoy a quiet afternoon of gardening, a trip to local art galleries, or a trip to the beach or other natural area for a few hours.  Or, perhaps get together with a few neighbors to enjoy some fresh apple pie and conversation.  

Return home in the evening, feed your pets if you have them, enjoy a light dinner, perhaps a book, some company, a good movie to watch at home, and a great night's sleep.

Especially if you're working on July 5th, you'll have enjoyed a nourishing day and be ready for the new summer week.  If children are in the mix, taking a trip to a local beach for the day and then dining out nearby, possibly in Bodega or back in Petaluma, for the family - with some fresh apple pie for dessert - could be a uniting family experience.

There is no danger to people or pets and it's a great way to celebrate our freedoms.

2.  The community gathering.

Some neighborhoods in Petaluma have longstanding traditions of a July 4th community picnic or gathering. This can be in a local park or in someone's back yard or even in the form of a block party-gathering in two or three neighbors' yards.  This is a wonderful tradtion that can include a flag on display.  Looking up or listening, you may see and hear some amazing birds.  Conversations about independence, the good fortune of freedom in our country, and needs for advocating for equal opportunities for all are great conversation topics over a plate of potato salad, homemade pickles, a veggie burger with tomatoes, lettuce, mayo and mustard, and 3-bean salad.  Then, that freshly basked apple pie with frozen yogurt or organic vanilla ice cream.  A cool beverage.  What could be better? 

The morning of July 4th for this type of day is likely devoted to preparing for the gathering while also doing errands, taking kids for a swim if there's a swimming pool nearby, or going for a cool early morning walk with a beloved pet or a walk or run if you're without pet.

With either or both of these alternatives, on the day after, July 5th, our pets would awaken to less trauma and exhaustion from the July 4th war zones of fireworks, legal and illegal, blowing up all over the City and also in the countryside.  There would probably be fewer hangovers from excessive alcohol drinking, less fire and injury hazard, and perhaps even a gentle air of independence and strength of community to permeate our lives for the summer days ahead.

A peaceful, meaningful, new way to enjoy Independence Day and July 4th, with community and by yourself. Something to think about for our future.

How would nonprofits be able to survive without sales of fireworks?  Surely, there are ways to replace the quick fix to raise funds.