Four ingredients for the perfect Fourth of July

By Eric Stann

July 1, 2025
Contact: Eric Stann, StannE@missouri.edu
Photo by Abbie Lankitus

Whether you're firing up the grill, setting your playlist or picking a spot to watch fireworks, a little planning goes a long way toward making your Fourth of July celebration a success. These four ingredients can help ensure your holiday is not only fun, but also safe and memorable for everyone involved.

The Fourth is much more than a day of backyard gatherings and booming skies. It’s rooted in a story that continues to shape who we are and how we celebrate.

“The Fourth of July has always been more than just a day of festivities — it’s an opportunity for Americans to reflect on the significance of the nation’s past and envision its future: to celebrate the achievements that unite us and to wrestle with how best to live up to our ideals,” Billy Coleman, associate director of Mizzou’s Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy, said. “Even in its early years, the holiday reflected different interpretations of American values and leadership. This highlights our long-standing ability to seek unity and joy in celebrating the freedoms that define us.”

With that in mind, here are four ingredients to help you make the most of the holiday — both in spirit and in practice.

Grill like a pro and fire up flavor

The grill is often the heart of a Fourth of July gathering, and mastering it can elevate your celebration from good to unforgettable. So, to help, here are some expert grilling tips from Alex McCarty, BS ‘16, and Mitch Morse, BS, M Acc ‘16, co-owners of Kansas City-based Premium Outdoor Grills.

• To get the best results on the grill, start by salting your meat at least an hour — ideally up to 24 hours — in advance to enhance both flavor and tenderness. Before grilling, pat the meat dry, as a dry surface helps create a perfect, flavorful crust.
• Be patient with preheating. Giving your grill 10-15 minutes to reach the right temperature is key for proper searing and to prevent sticking. When it comes to seasoning, keep it simple — salt and pepper are often all you need, allowing your cooking technique to take center stage.
• Finally, once the meat is off the grill, let it rest for 5-10 minutes to help lock in juices and ensure maximum tenderness.

And if you're looking for high-quality meats, be sure to check out the Mizzou Meat Market in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.

Fireworks: a sparkling tradition and a spark of science

Fireworks have lit up the skies on Independence Day since July 4, 1777, and they continue to be a dazzling way to bring people together in celebration.

Fireworks are essentially just gunpowder combined with chemicals, Tim Glass, a chemistry professor and associate dean of research in Mizzou’s College of Arts and Science, said.

“They add different chemical compounds to the gunpowder to give it different colors, depending on what they’re going for,” he said.

And they’re just one part of the sensory experience that defines the holiday. Music is another.

Music: The soundtrack of summer celebration

From patriotic anthems to summer favorites, music sets the tone and connects people across generations and backgrounds. Regardless of how you’re celebrating Independence Day, your playlist can elevate the atmosphere and create lasting memories.

“Music, singing and all the sounds of Fourth of July celebrations help make the feeling of patriotism something everyone can experience,” Coleman said. “Whether it’s hearing fireworks or joining in to sing ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’ these are shared moments that can bring us together.”

To keep the vibe just right:

• Mix classics such as “The Star-Spangled Banner” with upbeat summer hits (think Katy Perry’s 2010 song “Firework”).
• Keep the volume at a respectful level, especially in family-friendly spaces.

Stay safe while you celebrate

As fun as the Fourth can be, it’s important to stay mindful of safety — whether you’re handling fireworks, swimming or keeping an eye on your pets.

Fireworks safety:

• Never look directly into a firework tube, even if it appears to be a dud.
• Keep a safe distance from launch sites and wait several minutes before approaching a firework that doesn't go off.

“We often see small burns from fireworks, but the most serious injuries happen when a firework goes off unexpectedly,” said Joshua Stilley, associate professor of emergency medicine at Mizzou’s School of Medicine and chief of the Emergency Medical Services division. “This can cause major harm to the hands, face or eyes.”

Pool safety:

Celebrations often include time by the pool. Christopher Sampson, clinical professor of emergency medicine at Mizzou’s School of Medicine, said to remind guests of a few key rules to prevent accidents.

• Let someone know if you’re not a confident swimmer.
• Keep all glassware away from the pool.
• Avoid drinking too much while swimming.

Pet safety:

The Fourth of July can be a stressful and potentially dangerous time for your pets. Elizabeth Easley, clinical instructor of small animal emergency and critical care at Mizzou’s Veterinary Health Center, offers these tips to keep pets comfortable during the festivities.

• Keep pets indoors during fireworks to prevent injury or escape, and ensure they have ID tags or a microchip in case they get lost.
• Walk dogs before and after the fireworks and create a calm space for them during the festivities. Using white noise, TV or music can help mask loud sounds. If needed, talk to your vet in advance about the possibility of using sedatives.
• Keep them away from party foods.
• Make sure they have access to shade and cool water.
• Be sure to have emergency vet contact information easily accessible.