Fourth of July celebrations in the U.S. are centered on the idea of the revolutionary bravery American men and women have exhibited for centuries. It’s during this time that we celebrate our patriotism and remember that independence is the spirit and soul of our nation. There are many different ways to celebrate this exciting day and two of the most common are food and fireworks. Fortunately for the Gunn|Jerkens team, our home city of Long Beach provides both!

On the food agenda for this celebration weekend, several of us have BBQs in the works with family and friends. And our office building was kind enough to kick off the holiday weekend early by hosting an outdoor lunch BBQ for all the employees in the building – and boy, did everyone turn out!

At the start of the BBQ, the line to get food wrapped around the building and there wasn’t a seat to be had in the courtyard as live music filled the air. There were also several prizes raffled off, including movie tickets, gift cards and two tickets to the happiest place on earth. Thank you ARCO Center!

This weekend is guaranteed to be hot one, so if you’re looking for a special treat to make and share with family and friends on the 4^th, try this easy to make “Berry Patriotic Shake” to help you cool down:

Here is what you’ll need:

• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup yogurt
• 7 large strawberries
• 2 table spoons sugar or honey (or sweeten to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
• 1 cup ice
• Clear glass or plastic cups
• 2-3 blueberries
• Whipped cream
• Blender

Directions: Add the milk, yogurt, strawberries, vanilla and ice to the blender. Mix until smooth. Pour into clear glasses and garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of blueberries. Serve with a straw and enjoy. This recipe makes a little over three healthy 1-cup servings. For a more frozen desert, freeze the strawberries ahead of time!

Note: This can be made with any kind of fruit but for a patriotic feel, use red fruits such as strawberries, raspberries or cherries, blue fruit such as blueberries or blackberries or white fruit such as bananas or pears for the shake. Garnish with alternate fruit colors to keep the red, white and blue theme going!

You can also make a non-dairy version of this treat by using soy milk instead of cow’s milk, soft tofu in place of yogurt and a non-dairy topping instead of whipped cream.

After the annual BBQ, head on down to your local fireworks spot to catch a light show that is sure to illuminate the night sky. If you happen to be in Long Beach, check out the annual RED, WHITE & BLUES extravaganza at the Queen Mary. The line-up of Independence Day festivities includes:

• Strolling performers, balloon artists, face painters and Uncle Sam!
• Groove to the live tunes of Flattops Tom & His Jump Cats and Grammy nominated, Lisa Haley and the Zydekats
• Dance the night away on the Queen Mary verandah deck with DJ Craig
• Fireworks at 9:00 pm

Wherever you are and whoever you’re with this Independence Day, the Gunn|Jerkens team wishes you a fun and safe 4^th of July!

To stay up to date on all the new and innovative happenings at Gunn|Jerkens, check back often, follow us on Twitter (@GunnJerkens) and “Like” us on Facebook.