Feature
A F r i e nd s , Foo d & F u n
Friends, Food & Fun Friends, Food & Fun
n C ooper
Mickelson
This year, the City of Benicia and Benicia Main Street made the difficult decision to cancel the annual Torchlight Parade on July 3rd and the firework picnic on July 4th due to a concern over mass gatherings. City Manager, Erik Upson, explained that “In Benicia, we don’t have the facilities that would allow us to limit the size of mass gatherings.” The annual parade often brings in around 20,000 spectators, so this is a critical issue to consider. He went on to state that “The safety of our community remains our top priority. We have the end of this pandemic in sight and can look forward to celebrating again as a community next year.” Although we are all saddened by another year without one of our favorite summer traditions, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy this beautiful July weather! Small neighborhood celebrations are not only allowed but encouraged. Call up your friends and family, and plan a fun backyard barbeque with us! The backyard barbecues we know in America today were popularized in the early 1960s; they were the go-to family event on a sunny weekend. Dad would stand in front of the grill, barbecuing hot dogs and hamburgers. Mom would make homemade lemonade by the pitcher and watch as the kids ran through sprinklers. When the food was ready, the entire family would gather around the picnic table and enjoy a delicious meal over its white and red checkered tablecloth. Soon, these backyard parties turned into a neighborhood event. Multiple families would gather together to sip cocktails and play games together in the summer heat. It was an excuse to spend quality time with friends and extended family. Now, the All-American backyard barbeque is something most of us look forward to every summer.
18 • Benicia Magazine
