Land of the free, because of the BRAVE

Berkshire Hathaway McMillen and Associates would like to wish you a big Happy 4th of July!

Here are some fun facts about 4th of July!

~ Only John Hancock actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. All the others signed later.

~ One out of eight signers of the Declaration of Independence were educated at Harvard (7 total).

~ The stars on the original American flag were in a circle so all the Colonies would appear equal.

~ Benjamin Franklin proposed the turkey as the national bird but was overruled by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, who recommended the bald eagle.

~ Every 4th of July the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped (not actually rung) thirteen times in honor of the original thirteen colonies.

~ Three US Presidents have died on July 4. John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. In a bizarre twist of fate, Adams and Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826 the 54th anniversary of the country they helped found.

~ On July 4th, 1778 George Washington ordered a double ration of rum for his soldiers to celebrate the holiday.

~ Barbecue is also big on Independence Day. Approximately 150 million hot dogs and 700 million pounds of chicken are consumed on this day.

Here are some great ways to celebrate this weekend around town:

• The City of Wilmington 4th of July Celebration will feature live entertainment and food vendors in beautiful historic downtown Wilmington. The fireworks display will begin at 9:05 pm and will be launched from a barge in the Cape Fear River on the 4th of July
• Berkeley Mall in Goldsboro on July 4 will host a firework display. There will also be entertainment, food, and vendors.
• Independence Day Celebration during the day with live music, Beer/Wine tent, kids rides and games, Aerial Performances, Cirque de Vol street performers, eating contests, food and art vendors, and much more! Fireworks will light up the sky over The Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts starting at around 9:30pm.
• Come enjoy the Surf City Independence Day Celebration with a concert and fireworks display at Soundside Park. Enjoy Live music in addition to food, children’s activities and more! Monday July 3rd 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
• Never Judge a Book by its Leftovers event will be held July 5th from 3 to 4pm at Steel e Memorial Library. Free
• Dancing with the Stars Live July 2nd at the Durham Performing arts in Durham. Show starts at 8:30pm. www.dpanc.com
• The Battleship of North Carolina will feature the first time a performance of the play “Mr. Roberts” through the whole month of July with the first show starting July 4th tickets at $50. www.etix.com

4th of July Brown Bites – By Real food by dad

INGREDIENTS

• 16-18 brownie bites, store bought or homemade
• 1/2 cup whipped cream
• 3 tablespoonsgranulated sugar
• 5-6 strawberries, quartered
• 3 oz. blueberries

INSTRUCTIONS

1. To make whipped cream: Place cream and sugar in a chilled bowl, and using a hand held electric mixer beat on high until stiff peaks form. Transfer whipped cream to a pastry bag fitted with a open star tip. Pipe whipped cream onto brownie tops and layer with strawberries and blueberries.