Count Memories… Not Calories

BY: RACHEL WUMKES

There are so many things to love about the 4th of July in Clear Lake.  The parade down Main Avenue.  Evans United Carnival in the park.  Enjoying an afternoon in the Bingo tent with friends.  Appreciating an evening of live music at the bandshell.

But my favorite part?

Hands down… the food.

Burgers, brats, s’mores around the firepit.  I love them all.  And then there are all the salads and side dishes.  This blog would be 8000 words if I get on a tangent about “all the fixings!”

I did, however, get a tad curious about what everyone else had on the menu for this spectacular holiday.  Turns out, I’m right on par with the favorites around the country!

To start us off, we must take it way back to 1776.

On the very first birthday of our great country, legend has it that John Adams and his wife partook in a celebratory meal of turtle soup, New England poached salmon with egg sauce, green peas, and boiled new potatoes in jackets.

Um… gross.

I can’t say I know much about turtle soup, but if it’s anything like its namesake… that’s a hard pass for me!

These days, most Americans skip the soup and opt to fire up the old barbeque to grill up their grub.  In fact, more than 74 million Americans will plan to barbecue for this holiday.

And what do they plan to cook?

Burgers are the top choice (85%).  Steak (80%), hot dogs (79%) and chicken (73%) are the other most popular foods for the grill.  Even the simple act of cooking the food is a patriotic symbol, bringing families and friends together around the grill.

I mean, if anything can fix the divide in America, it’s food, right?

A new survey from the National Retail Federation finds 86% of Americans plan to celebrate the holiday and are expected to spend about $6.7 billion on food items.

Wowza.

Here are some fun facts I found about 4th of July food:
  • Approximately 375 million burgers will be eaten
  • Every year on the 4th, Americans take down 150 million hot dogs
  • We actually spend MORE on condiments than chips and dip
  • It is estimated that 68.3 million cases of beer will be consumed
  • 750 million pounds of chicken is purchased

Of course, the main portion of the meal is the most important (and what is calculated for the fun fact purposes) but what about the side dishes?  The salads and dips and charcuterie boards?  They are important too, ya know.

They are the piece de resistance, rounding out he deliciousness for the perfect 4th of July celebratory meal.  The most popular grilled side dishes are corn (41%), potatoes (41%), and other veggies (32%).

Because let’s face it, we’re Americans.  We eat, drink and have snacks.

It’s just what we do here.

Our lives are centered around food.

Creating a patriotic theme seems to be of the utmost importance.  Red, white and blue incorporated into our salads, side dishes and desserts are key elements for success.

Me? I’m more of a mayo lover myself.  Pour on that delicious goop to make the ultimate creamy salad and I’m a happy girl.  My waistline… not so much.  But below that – deep down inside my bones – I’m filled with pure joy.

This week, pop on over to Randy’s Neighborhood Market, Fareway, Louie’s Custom Meats and More, or Hy-Vee West to stock up on all the fixings for the ultimate American barbeque.

Or relax, kick back, and let one of our AMAZING restaurants to the cooking for you!  You can find a full listing on our directory.

And don’t forget to pop on up to the Evans United Carnival which runs from 5pm Thursday (6/29) until 5PM on Wednesday (7/5).  They have corn dogs, cheese balls, fried pickles, funnel cakes, and so much more!!  Added bonus:  you can wash it all down with a tasty fresh-squeezed lemonade.

It’s going to be the ultimate July 4th celebration this year, my friends.

Enjoy.  Indulge.

And remember… count memories, not calories!