July is the month to celebrate national eating trends. Start now and enjoy summer eating traditions during warm days ahead.
The 1950s were a great era for many Americans. With the popular war over, veterans were employed in new industries. Couples enjoyed life with young families. Days off meant family time to make up for missed opportunities during war years.
In 1952 the American Bakers’ Association instituted July as picnic month. Soldiers who had served in France came back with the concept of “pique-niques.” The literal translation is “to pick at small things.” In our area, Portuguese-speaking folks might use the word without the hyphen.
This type of eating is done outdoors in the fresh air with the simplest of menu items. Cheese, bread, wine and fruit are typical French fare.
In post-war USA, a picnic meant spending time with family and friends without fussing over the meal. A two-handled picnic basket with a hinged top was a household basic.
It held plastic plates and cups with space for simple foods. Cold fried chicken or sandwiches wrapped in waxed paper were typical entrees.
The meal included finger foods such as carrot and celery sticks stored in ice water. An ambitious family took a watermelon, especially if the picnic was near a bubbling creek. The watermelon cooled in the flowing water until time to cut and eat. Cake was always expected.
These basics still serve well for a picnic. We now have better materials, though, for keeping sandwiches fresh. Dried-out bread will not do these days.
Since July is also National Hot Dog and National Baked Beans month, consider this combination for an easy picnic. Cook wienies on a stick over a campfire. If the picnic site (or backyard) has an electrical outlet, use a slow cooker to heat canned beans.
Spice up beans with chopped onion, bacon bits, brown sugar, ketchup and mustard. Heat cut up frankfurters with beans in the same pot. Serve topped with grated cheese. Add cornbread muffins as a side.
Play ball, swim or fish. Possibly, go exploring with one person minding the pot.
Hot dogs on the grill make an easy pool or outdoor party. Guests bring toppings. Be creative with add-ons such as black beans or mango salsa. First dates with my husband were hot dog picnics on the beach. Now, we have been married 54 years!
We would be remiss not to mention that July is National Independent Retailer Month. National recognition was established in July 2011. The purpose is to bring awareness regarding the vital role independent business owners play in every town.
The promotion emphasizes the positive social and economic impact that creates local sustainability. We cannot stress enough that independent retailers are the backbone of our communities.
Celebrate National Independent Retailer Month by starting a lasting habit. Visit a local business that you have never been to or have been in rarely. Wonderful surprises are concealed behind the doors. For example, tractor companies carry an assortment of tools, yard work essentials and personal needs such as gloves and sunglasses.
Find out what is offered locally and avoid the temptation to drive distances to shop. Let owners and staff know that you are stopping in to honor National Independent Retailer Month and to get acquainted.
It is no secret that local sales taxes help support fire protection for the greater community. Importantly, Dos Palos citizens support a sales tax not just to protect the town but for the surrounding area as well.
Everyone helps by shopping in town to support local roads, fire protection and other services. Buy picnic foods and other needs where local independent retailers appreciate your business.
(Janet Miller is a freelance writer specializing in family faith. She offers Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides on compact disc for families to explore the Bible together. Email jmiller@dospalos.org.)
