4th of July Brings Out the Best in Newark: Activities for the Fourth

The 4th of July seems to bring out the best that Newark has to offer, the best barbecues, the best parties, and the best people. For many of the elderly that don't like to hang out late in the city, the 4th of July holiday brings even them a sense of family and closeness. On a 4th of July weekend you can find a party on just about every block, and the good smell of barbecue flowing in the wind. Our city that has such a bad reputation, makes an exception to the rule on this day. We find families getting together to enjoy each others company and party like they have never partied before.

The 4th of July, is a celebration of our independence. For every Newarker this day represents freedom to be who we are, and celebrate where we came from. There is nothing like starting up the grill and passing the word that a cook out is about to happen, our handsome guys dressed in their best, and our ladies looking devine, of course this also is the perfect mingling opportunity. Its more than that though, it seems that for that day people put aside their differences, they come smiling with food in hand, and not to mention the drinks. My city of Newark, though well diversified seems to relish in the spirit of patriotism on this day. The gang bangers seem to stay away at least for a while, while " uncle Joe Joe and them have their good time."

The parks are packed in Newark on the 4th of July, but people find their spots, and set of camp as in a mini neighborhood ,and Weequahic Park (one of our well known parks) seems to be over flowing with the beautiful laughter of children, running, and flying kites, and eating ice cream. Theres music and laughter as people go from cook out to cook out, just to say hi to each other, you may even run in to someone you haven't seen in years. Oh, yes this day feels safe, and happy.

Living in Newark all my life, I have seen the good and the bad, but I know that there are good people here, and a good holiday and a good barbecue, brings out the best of them. There is nothing like the smell of a slab of ribs on the grill, or a row of burgers and hot dogs just coming off, I know that makes me happy!, we bring good food, and celebration on a day when we would normally be in our homes watching TV, or DVD, or something like that. But we seem to make it out that day, and a happy 4th of July it usually is!, in Newark we celebrate hard, and then we rest, we party hard, and then we rest, and when we enjoy, we enjoy hard! Newark is a beautiful city, its coming back strong, but its the people that make it what it is today. The 4th of July holiday gives Newarkers the sense of celebration for their city and each other.
Please everyone out there enjoy your 4th of July, because here in Newark where ever you look there will be a celebration of some kind going on.