The patriotic fervor is rising, the weather is heating up -- the 4th of July is approaching in Maryland, and it is the perfect time to get into the holiday spirit.
Are you a senior in California, MD, looking for July 4th events to enjoy over the holiday weekend? Here's a guide to popular memory care-friendly festivities in Southern Maryland with safety tips for a secure holiday.
Let's dive in.
Maryland was one of the 13 original colonies, and that point of pride is evident in its Fourth of July celebrations. In Southern Maryland, there are plenty of patriotic events:
Located in Bowie, MD, Six Flags America is a stone's throw away from California, MD. The Coca-Cola July 4th Fest includes fireworks shows on July 4, 5, and 6, beginning at approximately 9:15 PM.
Fireworks viewing is free with park admission. Some bonus packages are available for purchase, including a Fireworks VIP Package and a Passholder Deal, which include:
Enjoy a vibrant evening parade as the city of Annapolis, MD, celebrates the 4th of July. The parade begins at 6:30 PM, with fireworks over the harbor to end the night.
For some late morning and early afternoon fun, attend La Plata's Independence Day Celebration. The event runs from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and features entertainment such as:
It is the perfect precursor to some of the heavy-hitting events later in the day.
Although the 4th of July can be one of the highlights of the summer, it is also important to maintain safety. Along with the potential for fun, there is also the potential for dangerous circumstances to arise.
Here are some simple tips for staying safe and reducing risk while celebrating the 4th of July.
It may seem tempting to shoot off a firework or light up a sparkler. After all, everyone else is doing it.
However, these types of entertainment can be deceiving. They may appear harmless, but they can cause devastating injuries, such as scars, burns, and even loss of fingers.
Rather than fireworks or sparklers, opt for a flame-free alternative, such as glow sticks. You can still light up the night without worrying about rogue explosions or fire hazards.
Glow sticks can also be used as a signal in case of an emergency. Making glow stick sculptures can be one of many patriotic crafts for older adults.
During hot July days, such as the 4th, the rising temperatures can easily deplete your water and electrolyte resources. Spending hours in the sun and walking around events may cause excess production of sweat, which means staying hydrated is more important than ever.
Make sure you drink plenty of water at assisted living July 4th events. Always carry a bottle with you, if possible, and keep it full whenever you have the opportunity. Remember, it is better to have excess water on hand than none at all.
For an added boost of hydration, consider using electrolyte packets such as Pedialyte. They are cheaper than the liquid alternative, and their portable nature means you can bring them on the go and stir them into whatever drink you have on hand.
If you still find yourself struggling to maintain adequate hydration, try to incorporate foods with a high water content into your 4th of July diet, including:
According to WebMD, older adults should consume approximately six to eight glasses of water per day. You should also look out for signs of dehydration, such as:
Dehydration can be especially dangerous for seniors because it can cause further issues like urinary tract infections and kidney problems, vital organs that need to function well to support the body.
Safe holiday activities for seniors involve adequate sun protection. Make sure to apply sunscreen liberally and reapply every two hours.
In addition, wear sunglasses and a hat. Stay in the shade as much as possible to avoid direct contact with harmful UV light rays.
On the 4th of July, many events take place in the middle of the day, when the sun is at its height. If possible, seek shade during these times to avoid sunburn and other types of sun damage.
Summer is the hottest time of the year, and Maryland is known for humid East Coast summers. Even during assisted living July 4th events, look out for symptoms of conditions such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
For younger, healthier people, these types of conditions can be debilitating or even dangerous. For seniors, they can be deadly.
Heat exhaustion symptoms include:
Heatstroke has similar symptoms to heat exhaustion, but can be much more serious, with signs including:
If you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from heatstroke or heat exhaustion, contact the relevant authorities right away. Use your best judgment.
If you live in California, MD, there is no shortage of July 4th events to keep you booked and busy around this patriotic holiday. With this guide, you can plan the perfect day for your family and celebrate safely.
Enjoy senior holiday celebrations at Discovery Commons at Wildewood. Known as "The Best Assisted Living and Memory Care in California, MD," our beautiful campus features amenities such as chef-prepared dining, concierge services, and housekeeping assistance.
Do you want to learn more about all our community has to offer? Reach out to us today, or visit our stunning campus in California, MD, to see it for yourself.