Leah D'Emilio

July 4th has always been one of the most “summery” things about summer for me and I usually like to plan on doing something really fun. As a kid, I was more easily entertained and all I cared about was going swimming and playing with sparklers. Catching fireflies was cool, too.

Like any Italian-American family, our big Independence Day BBQs included an assortment of Italian pastas and desserts in addition to the traditional hot dogs, hamburgers, steaks, and ribs. After we would eat ourselves into a coma, we managed to go out to see the fireworks, or catch a Mud Hens game if they were playing at home.

I’ve had a few more unique experiences in the last few years, so I thought I’d share a few highlights here:

• Sailed around the islands of Lake Erie (2007)
• Can’t remember BBQ at an entertainment lawyer’s house in the Valley (2008)
• Spent the weekend in La Jolla/San Diego sleeping in a tent on a back porch that faced the Pacific Ocean (2009)
• Watched New York City’s massive fireworks display on a rooftop in Soho (2010)
• Spent the weekend island hopping in Venice (2011)

Not a bad way to celebrate, eh? Of course, I have some very dear friends to thank for their generosity and for giving me the opportunities I’ve had to enjoy some pretty cool Independence Day weekends.

This year’s events had nothing to do with the 4th, but just happened to fall at the same time. Despite the absence of fireworks and hot dogs, it definitely still felt like a “real” 4th of July weekend. Boating through the Venetian canals with good friends and fresh seafood is quite alright in my book.

Oh, and before you go. Here’s a video we made last year at Rocketboom called “The First Fourth”. It’s one of my favorite videos we made for the Casual Friday series. Enjoy!

For those of you celebrating Independence Day, I hope you’re enjoying the long weekend and doing something fun! Share your highlights here!

Tags: 4th of july, fun, independence day, july 4th, summer