A memory of 4th of July as a child

When I was a child I remember the building anticipation of 4th of July and for me it was for the meal, not the fireworks….It was because we would go as a family for a picnic and watch fireworks – sometimes we would go to the Marin County fair but mostly to the beach – and while it may seem picture perfect, we might even take in the local parade. My mother would make from scratch lemonade, fried chicken, potato salad, and chocolate brownies! Some years the menu varied to include pea salad, corn on the cob, wine, fruit salads and or watermelon. We would gorge on the down home food, play with friends, nap, watch the show and head home with sand between our toes.