CultureBridge: summertime in America

F E A T U R E A R T I C L E
Summertime in America

Outdoor picnics and parties are very popular in America in the summertime. Visit any park between Memorial Day (end of May) and Labor Day (beginning of September) and you'll find families and groups of friends enjoying the warm weather and sharing a meal. Birthday celebrations, family reunions, sporting events, holidays are all common reasons to host a get-together. But just wanting to be outside on a nice summer day is the best reason!

Food is an important part of any gathering, and in the summer Americans love to cook outside on the barbecue grill. All kinds of meats such as hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken and sausages, even vegetables like corn, peppers or potatoes can be cooked on the grill. Typical families have a barbecue grill in their yards, and many parks also have grills for public use. Men seem to particularly like to do the job of barbecuing the food, even if they don't usually cook at any other time. Many have “secret recipes” for a delicious, tangy barbecue sauce.

Other guests at the party will often be asked to “ bring a dish to pass.” This means that they will make some kind of side dish (a salad or vegetable) or dessert, and share it with the others. If you make something very delicious, people may want you to make it every time! Fried chicken and sandwiches are popular at picnics too, because you eat them with your hands. Potato salads and baked beans are favorite side dishes.

The 4th of July, or Independence Day, is almost here, and is a very popular time for a barbecue party. This date is also known as “America's birthday.” On July 4th, 1776, unhappy American colonists declared their independence from Britain. After a war against England, the former colonies formed a new country - the United States. This date is honored each year as Americans remember their history. Activities and celebrations are made more meaningful as people feel the pride, thankfulness and patriotism of this time.

In addition to picnics and barbecues, many people celebrate Independence Day by attending town parades and fireworks shows. American flags will be displayed in front of many homes and businesses.

By Susan Ernenwein and Alice Hoover

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Try this...

For a “taste” of summertime in America, why not try to make this recipe for a delicious drink? (Note: for metric conversions, use our converter)

Old-fashioned lemonade

3 cups water
3 large lemons
1/2 cup sugar

Cut lemons in half and squeeze juice into a large pitcher. Remove seeds, if necessary. Add water and sugar; stir well. Pour into tall glasses filled with ice cubes.

For an interesting variation, add one of the following: grenadine (for pink lemonade), raspberries, sliced strawberries, sprigs of fresh mint.

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