Today for our Friday Favorites, we are celebrating Independence Day. The Morning Thing Hosts share their favorite ways to celebrate the 4th of July holiday.
The Morning Thing Friday Favorites for Independence Day
July First Friday is tonight! Join WNZR and kick-off a great Independence Holiday weekend!
The Morning Thing talked with Lacey Filkins, Executive Director for Experience Mount Vernon about July’s First Friday. It IS happening on a Thursday (7/3/25).
Click HERE to hear the full conversation, or click the link below.
Lacey shares the details about this exciting event for families. She gives us highlights of the schedule, entertainment, food choices, parking and the theme – Red, White, & Blue Party! The event happens tonight from 6pm – 9pm in downtown Mount Vernon. We hope to see you there to celebrate our Independence Holiday.
What are you making for the 4th of July?
Tomorrow is Independence Day! Are you looking for something to take to your picnic? Or family reunion?
The Morning Thing crew found 6 easy and festive recipes that are perfect for your 4th of July. These are simple to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and full of summer flavor! Check them out!
If you try one of these recipes, let us know what your family thinks and share their reviews. Email us at wnzr@mvnu.edu Also, send us a picture! 🙂
Have a wonderful 4th of July!
1. Red, White & Blue Fruit Skewers
Ingredients:
- Strawberries (halved)
- Blueberries
- Marshmallows (or banana slices)
- Wooden skewers
Instructions:
Thread strawberries, blueberries, and marshmallows onto skewers in a red-white-blue pattern. Serve chilled for a refreshing and patriotic snack.
🌭 2. Grilled Hot Dog Bar
Ingredients:
- Hot dogs & buns
- Assorted toppings: ketchup, mustard, relish, diced onions, sauerkraut, shredded cheese, chili
Instructions:
Grill hot dogs until heated through and lightly charred. Set up a toppings bar so guests can customize their own!
🥔 3. Easy Ranch Potato Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs baby red potatoes (boiled & quartered)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together and chill for at least 1 hour. Garnish with extra green onions or bacon bits if desired.
🍔 4. Mini Cheeseburger Sliders
Ingredients:
- Slider buns
- Ground beef patties (small)
- Cheese slices
- Pickles, ketchup, mustard
Instructions:
Grill or pan-cook small beef patties. Assemble with cheese and toppings on slider buns. Serve warm with toothpicks to hold together.
🍉 5. Watermelon Feta Salad
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cubed watermelon
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
Toss watermelon with feta and mint. Drizzle with lime juice and chill before serving.
🍰 6. No-Bake Berry Icebox Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 box graham crackers
- 2 cups whipped topping
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 cup blueberries
Instructions:
Layer graham crackers, whipped topping, and berries in a 9×13 dish. Repeat layers. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
Are you ready for some Family Fun this 4th of July?
The Morning Thing is here to help!
Check out these FUN Ideas for some Family Fun this Independence Day!
🎆 Outdoor Activities
- Watch a Fireworks Show – Find a local display or do a small, safe one at home.
- Backyard BBQ or Picnic – Grill out classic American favorites.
- Decorate Bikes for a Parade – Host a mini neighborhood bike parade.
- Play Lawn Games – Cornhole, horseshoes, sack races, or a water balloon toss.
- Go to a Local Festival – Many towns host 4th of July events with food and games.
- Camp Out in the Backyard – Stargaze, tell stories, and enjoy s’mores.
- Host a Water Day – Sprinklers, slip n’ slide, kiddie pools, or a water balloon fight.
🎨 Creative Fun
- DIY T-Shirts or Tie-Dye – Use red, white, and blue to make festive shirts.
- Patriotic Face Painting – Stars, stripes, and sparkles!
- Make 4th of July Crafts – Flags, pinwheels, or paper fireworks.
- Decorate the Yard or House – Let the kids help with flags and streamers.
🍓 Food-Focused Fun
- Bake Patriotic Treats – Star-shaped cookies, flag fruit pizza, or red/white/blue Jello cups.
- Create a Hot Dog or Ice Cream Bar – Let everyone build their own.
- Make Homemade Lemonade or Snow Cones – Perfect for hot weather.
🧠 Quiet or Indoor Options
- Watch an Independence Day-Themed Movie – Ideas: National Treasure, The Sandlot, or Liberty’s Kids for younger viewers.
- Read Books About America – Great for young kids to learn about history.
- Play Patriotic Music and Sing Along – Teach classic American songs.
🏃♂️ Get Moving
- Do a Family Walk or Bike Ride – Explore a park or trail.
- Join a Fun Run or Parade – Many towns host family-friendly events.
- Scavenger Hunt with a Red, White & Blue Theme – Use household or nature items.
Want to know WHERE and WHEN to see fireworks this year?
Thanks to Knox Pages for this very informative list of Fireworks Displays and events happening around the Knox County Area! Click HERE to see their list of events for the 4th of July Weekend.
The Morning Thing Friday Favorites 6/30/23
In honor of Independence Day, Alyssa and Marcy share their favorite ways to celebrate the 4th of July.
We hope and pray that you get time to spend with family and friends for this very special holiday.
Click HERE to hear from our hosts.
The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – what we love to do for the 4th of July
For our Friday Favorites today, The Morning Thing Co-Hosts shared their favorite things to do for the 4th of July.
WNZR wishes you and your family a wonderful Independence Day Weekend!
The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – thoughts on Independence
For our Friday Favorites this week, we shared thoughts about Independence Day.
Listen HERE as Marcy and Rachel Rinehart share about the power of freedom.
The Staff of WNZR wish you and your family a safe and blessed 4th of July!
The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – Why we love celebrating July 4th
For our Morning Thing Friday Favorites this week, Rachel and Marcy Rinehart share what they love about celebrating independence on the 4th of July.
Click HERE to hear the ladies share.
We hope that you had a wonderful Independence Day. We also hope that you keep the celebrations going all weekend.
The Morning Thing Fave 5!
For our Morning Thing Fave 5 this week, our staff members shared their favorite memories from this week!
Happy 4th of July from the MT!
Today was all about America’s Independence on the Morning Thing!
We shared a list of the 76 most American things ever, including cheeseburgers, doughnuts, and buffet lines (don’t worry, they weren’t all food related). You can check out the complete list over HERE.
Click here to see the full schedule of events for Mount Vernon’s 4th of July Festivities, which caps off with fireworks at 10 pm.
Have a great 4th of July!
-Jess and Aubrey
Rise and Shine 