Ryan lely/Sonoma Valley Sun
Barbecue essentials include a “Danger Men Cooking” apron, unbreakable plastic stemware, festive platters and stainless steel cooking utensils.
On July 4, 1776 our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and handed Americans yet another reason to throw a party. The Sonoma Valley honors that cherished day with a glorious parade on Sonoma’s Plaza in the morning and an evening filled with dazzling fireworks.
Red, white and blue is the obvious color scheme for a July 4th party. The Flag Emporium in Sonoma sells bolts of stars and stripes bunting (starting at $148 for an 18-inch-wide 60-yard bolt) and festive fans (from $22.50 for a flat fan to $71 for a pleated fan). You can display Old Glory in your yard on patio flagpoles (starting at $145 for 15-foot pole).
Add a little whimsy to your fête with accessories from the Laughing Queen. The oversized, plush Uncle Sam Hat ($29) is perfect for the host. Smaller versions of the hat ($8) are available for children or even patient pets. Wacky plastic sunglasses by Elope ($10) are available in Blue Star and Lady Liberty, which sports a crown over one lens and a torch beside the other.
Your party menu will most likely include some variety of barbecue. The Sign of the Bear in Sonoma sells sleek stainless steel grilling utensils by Outset as well as accessories for the chef, such as a black cotton apron adorned with a yellow sign that reads: “Danger Men Cooking” and a matching yellow mitt.
Kyle Cunningham, who mans the outdoor grill at the Broadway Market on Friday and Saturday afternoons, offered words of advice to those who will be barbecuing over the holiday weekend. “The most important part of barbecuing is that you not start cooking until the briquettes are going out because that is when they are the hottest,” he said. “Use a heat thermometer to make sure chicken reaches 165 degrees and tri-tip 135, and remember, meat continues to cook even after you take it off the grill.”
For people who’d rather have someone else stand in front of burning coals, Cunningham will be grilling on the Fourth of July. Meat courses that will be available include barbecued chicken, baby back ribs, spare ribs and Bloody Mary tri-tip.
A delicious ice cream cake makes for a great dessert on a hot day. Baskin-Robbins and Ben & Jerry’s will make to order a cake using ice cream in a variety of flavors. Prices vary, depending on the size of the cake.
Keep kids of all ages busy with toys from Tiddle E. Winks, Sonoma’s vintage five-and-dime store. “We stock wooden yoyos, Super Balls, Silly Putty, Slinkies and cap bombs, perfect for any July Fourth celebration,” said owner Heidi Geffen. “In addition to old candy favorites like Fizzies, Cherry Mashes, Chick-o-Sticks and Pez galore, we have white chocolate deviled eggs and Pop Rocks, which are like fireworks for your mouth.”
Baskin-Robbins
201 W. Napa St., Sonoma 707.996.4385
Hours: Daily 11 a.m-10 p.m.
Open on the Fourth of July until 8:30 p.m.
Ben & Jerry’s
408 First St. E., Sonoma; 707.996.0770
www.benjerry.com/sonomaplaza
Hours: Sun.- Thurs. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fri. ñ Sat.: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Open on the Fourth of July.
Broadway Market
20511 Broadway, Sonoma; 707.938.2685
Hours: Sun. 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Mon. – Sat. 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Open on the Fourth of July.
Flag Emporium
19445 Riverside Dr., Sonoma; 707.996.8140
www.flagemporium.com
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 10 a.m. ñ 3 p.m.
Closed Sun. – Sat. and on the Fourth of July.
Laughing Queen
122 E. Napa St., Sonoma; 707.935.6611
Hours: Sun. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wed. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Closed Mon. – Tues. and on the Fourth of July.
Sign of the Bear Kitchenware
435 First St. W., Sonoma; 707.996.3722.
Hours: Sun. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Open after the parade ends on the Fourth of July.
Tiddle E. Winks
115 E. Napa St., Sonoma; 707.939.6933
www.tiddleewinks.com
Hours: Sun. 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Mon. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Open after the parade ends on the Fourth of July.
