As Independence Day approaches, the minds of most Kinston residents are stuck on two things: what’s on the grill and who’s cooking?
“On Independence Day, I just want to see food cooked on the grill,” Kinston resident Sheila Hightower said on Herritage Street Tuesday. “It doesn’t matter if it’s barbecue, ribs, steaks, shish kabobs or vegetables.”
Local government members will be doing the same thing, enjoying a break from the stress of handling the budget for the citizens.
“I’ll be playing baseball,” Kinston City Manager Tony Sears said. “I’ve got friends coming into town and I wouldn’t be an American if I didn’t have a hot dog and hamburger.”
Sears plans on grilling for family and friends tomorrow — and he’ll be using a charcoal grill.
“You can’t use natural gas on Independence Day,” Sears said.
Lenoir County Commissioner Eric Rouse won’t be on the grill, but has some ideas on how he’ll spend his day.
“I’ll be at Harmony Hall for those being sworn in as American citizens that day,” Rouse said. “My mother is half-German and my friend, Dr. Max Kasselt, will be delivering the speech.”
Kasselt — born in Namibia — received his citizenship in Kinston six years ago.
“The naturalization ceremony to me is just as moving as a wedding anniversary,” Kasselt said. It’s very important to me and close to my heart. It means a lot to be an American citizen because this is the country that gives opportunity to anyone who applies themselves more than any other country. The Fourth of July means so much.”
Rouse said he’ll also show respect to the 26 men and women expected to be sworn in.
“I think this is a very nice event and I’ll be congratulating everyone on their citizenship,” Rouse said. “After that, I’m headed to the beach.”
For Kinston residents staying in town during the holiday, proper preparation becomes essential when it comes to cookouts.
Some local hardware and food stores have done well around this time, as residents try to stock up on supplies for the holiday.
“Around this time, we sell a lot of grills and LP burners,” Big Blue employee Phillip Smith said. “Other customers might by marinating sauces and tiki torches for the yard.”
Barbara Rose — owner of Barbaros Kitchen Tools and Gourmet Foods — gives customers the ability to pick up grilling equipment, along with an array of delicacies and side dishes.
“We’ll sell a lot of grill pans, tongs, spatulas and pans,” Rose said. “We also sell a lot of Robert Rothschild dips, pepper jelly, pretzels, pita chips and cake mixes.”
She will be enjoying time with loved ones on the Fourth of July, keeping things relatively conservative.
“We always cook hot dogs and hamburgers with the family,” Rose said. “We also try to have apple and blueberry pies with homemade ice cream.”
Even though food is on most people’s minds, Tommy Jones — manager of Parrott’s Store — was more excited about something else.
“The biggest thing I’m looking forward to is a day off,” Jones said with a laugh.
Junious Smith can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.
Grilling Safety
Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use
Never grill indoors — not in your house, camper, tent or any enclosed area
Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill
Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire
Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe
Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills
Source: The Red Cross