But after all of the crushed light beers and junk food was over, I had a small realization: There is nowhere in the world I would rather be on July 4th than Bartlett, IL. It's where I grew up, and where I still live today (total townie), and we do it right. As long as I can remember, it's been the best time of year in our little shit of a Village (not city). As an adult, especially one without children, the appeal of the 4th of July is obvious. Days off of work, cook outs, day drinking. But even as a kid I think I realized that Independence Day was special.
It starts with all of the tents and rides going up in Apple Orchard Park. There's a little bit of electricity to the air and everyone young and old knows that means it's time to get loose. Whether you're a twenty something looking to get blind drunk, or a 9 year old that knows they're going to get a little extra leeway because mom and dad a couple extra beers on the walk over, it's party time.
The fest usually opens on the night of July 3rd. If you're smart (and in close enough proximity) you walk. This walk is the first part that makes the weekend special. For what I think a lot of people would consider a bedroom community, I don't feel like there's a lot of neighborly interaction in Bartlett. Not enough as least. But over this span of a few days, especially the first day, everyone in town are buddies. Open containers? Sure! Sharing beers with strangers? Why not!? In that walk the aforementioned mom and dad get to have those couple extra beers, and they don't have to worry about driving the mini van home.
For the first time in a couple of years I made it a point to go to the fest, and hang out at the beer tent. And it's the same as it ever was. Perfect. The right mix of old friends and quite a few people that make one think; "Where the hell did that guy come from?" Teenagers awkwardly smoking cigarettes, pre teens running around like idiots because they don't quite know what to do with themselves. It's all there for you to enjoy. Everyone is in a good mood, and seeing your tee ball coach after you've had three luke warm Miller Lites isn't the laborious conversation it is if you cross paths at Jewel. Personally, I like to end my fest attendance with one night. It's the perfect amount of time spent under a hot tent.
The next day, on the 4th, that's what you save your energy for. Even as a kid, I would wake up knowing it was a special day. Before the sweet release of drinking 25 beers, it was cake and hot dogs and blowing shit up. There's that same electricity throughout town. People walking all over, waving, stopping by parties on the way to another.
As time went on, and legalities would allow (being over 21), I started throwing parties at my parents house. The first one was spur of the moment, but up until two years ago (when I moved out), I like to think we threw a hell of a shindig. Things have tapered down a bit the last couple of years, but we still have a great day in the pool, and the magic is still in the air.
The rest of the weekend continues on like this. Good vibes, friendly people, a bingo tent to attend. It's all there in our boring little town for 4 days. Sure, it's probably cool to hang out on a yacht, and watch fireworks on Lake Michigan. But I'll take my family, friends, and parents rusty 4ft pool every year.
Luke warm beers for sure ha
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