July is a great month – important for a number of reasons. First, it brings with it the 4th of July – our country’s Independence Day; it is also the beginning of summer festivities. Another July treat is blueberries, one of the best fruits of the season, a favorite berry to cook with or to eat from the bush. This July 4th, Napa Flats has some exciting red, white, and blueberry restaurant specials for our customers to savor. Until you get to try them, enjoy learning a few other lesser-known facts about this unique American holiday celebration!

 

It Was The 2nd of July – According to John Adams, At Least!

America celebrates its Independence Day on July 4th, which was the day that John Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. President John Adams proclaimed that July 2, the date that the Second Continental Congress voted to declare the United States as Independent from Britain, should actually be the day filled with countrywide celebration.

Additionally, the 4th of July was not made a national holiday until almost a century after the signing of the Declaration. For the first 94 years of America’s independence, July 4 was a regular work day just like any other. It was finally decided that President Adams’ suggestion of celebration and nationwide festivities be acknowledged by a full-fledged holiday in 1870, although federal employees had to wait another 70 years before getting the day off to enjoy celebrating America’s birthday at a special restaurant.

Everyone across this great nation can celebrate on the second, fourth, and all month long with delicious food and a festival of blueberry specials at Napa Flats restaurant and wine bar .

America – The Melting Pot

The 4th of July is significant to other countries as well as America. It was on July 4th in 1884 that America received a gift of the Statue of Liberty from France, sent a few years early so that it would be completely assembled by July 4, 1876 – the 100-year anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The statue was completed by 1876, although it was not dedicated until October, 1886 by President Grover Cleveland.

Another interesting fact – Denmark also celebrates the 4th of July! This holiday began in 1912 after a mass of Danish emigrants left the country to reside in the United States and become part of its global culture.

Other Great 4th of July Events

Besides the initial event that led to America’s love affair with the 4th of July, it was also the date for other events as well:

1828 – Construction began on American’s first passenger railroad – the B & O Railroad.

  • 1829 – The cornerstone for the first U.S. Mint in Philadelphia was laid.
  • 1883 – Marked the first opening of Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show in North Platte, Nebraska.
  • 1939 – The New York Yankees retired its first uniform – Lou Gehrig’s No. 4.
  • 1960 – The United States unfurled its newest flag with 50 stars in honor of Hawaii’s statehood.
  • 1970 – Casey Kasem’s American Top 40 radio show debuted in Los Angeles.
  • 2013 – After sustaining massive damage due to Hurricane Sandy, the Statue of Liberty was reopened to the public.

With the above events being only some of the important things that have occurred on the 4th of July, it is hard to let the day pass without some kind of red, white, and blue celebration. Don’t miss our red, white, and blueberry specials at Napa Flats, including delicious blueberry cobbler and other restaurant specials and favorites. Best of all, these specials are available throughout the entire month of July!