Sure, we’re all bummed that the 4th of July falls on a Wednesday this year, denying us all the excuse to take a three-day weekend. But it’s not like we’re short of things to do right here in Brooklyn. For the past four years, my friends and I have been getting in some local beach time at Coney Island and Brighton Beach, usually accompanied by crazy pickles and tarragon soda (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it) from M&I International. Recently, I’ve also discovered the joy of catching the tip of the fireworks on the Hudson from Red Hook, set against the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty—get there early to ensure a good spot. The rest of the Tip Sheet crew’s got some 4th of July traditions, too. Jay’s new favorite tradition starts this year with the first annual Crif Dog Classic, presented by Crif Dogs and Roberta’s in Roberta’s garden. Takeru Kobayashi (banned from Nathan’s hot dog eating contest) takes on competitors from all over the country following performances by Dexter Holland (Offspring), Wild Yaks, Andy Suzuki and more. This year’s edition is already sold out, but liven up your backyard barbecue by streaming it on Sports Illustrated’s site. Kate, on the other hand, usually spends the 4th of July up in Maine with extended family, so she associates the holiday with good eating, cold beer, and spending as much of the day as humanly possible on a boat. The midweek holiday means she’ll be staying in Brooklyn this year, but she’s hoping to replicate her annual tradition at Brooklyn Brewery’s Fourth of July Boat Bash, minus the standstill traffic on I-95. Finally, though Victoria usually spends the holiday at a family BBQ on Long Island, we all totally feel her BK 4th of July tradition—the dance for joy she does in her apartment when she finally makes it home. – C.A.
