Spirit of Princeton sponsors the Independence Day fireworks, and they are scheduled for Wednesday, July 3rd, at the usual spot of the Princeton University sports fields next to the University Stadium. Fireworks begin around 9 PM, but arrive early to get a parking space, and a prime viewing spot.
TIPS
- Fields are open as of 7 PM. Pack your favorite foods and drinks (no alcohol permitted) for a picnic, and make it a nice evening topped off by the fireworks.
- If you’re bringing kids, have a frisbee, ball, hacky sack, or other games to keep them busy before the festivities begin. Purchase glow bracelets or other glow-in-the-dark items at a dollar store prior to arriving to add to the fun.
- Bring folding chairs for comfort, or at least a blanket to sit on.
- If taking photos or video, bring a tripod to keep your camera still so you can get sharper images. Taking pics on a compact? Set it to “Fireworks”. Using a DSLR? Try these settings: ISO 100, f/5.6, 8 or 11, bulb setting, manual focus to infinity, no flash, and use a remote cable. Press remote once the initial trial reaches its height and release once the trails from the burst disappear
I like to bring lemonade with me to drink. Here’s one of my recipes. Enjoy!
PATRIOTIC LEMONADE
Ingredients
- 3 lemons
- 4 large strawberries sliced
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 boiling water
- Cold water
- 1/2 cup ice
Instructions
- Boil 1/4 water
- Roll lemons on cutting board to release juices, then in one piece, cut the rind off
- Cut lemons in half and juice
- Pour sugar into boiled water and stir until translucent making a simple syrup
- Add strawberries and blueberries, and steep for 5 mins
- Pour syrup into a 2 quart pitcher, then strain lemon juice into it
- Pour in cold water to just under 2 quart line, and add lemon peels
- Add ice, stir, let peels steep up to 15 mins and remove (to extract oils without getting bitter)
STAR SPANGLED BREAKFAST
This is great around Independence Day. It can be made with French toast, Belgian waffles or pancakes. Simply top your base with sliced bananas, raspberries or sliced strawberries, blueberries, and a little whipped cream for the stars to create a patriotic dish. Kids especially, will love this! What’s your favorite breakfast on the 4th of July?