The Coshocton County Beacon June 26, 2025 | Page 24

24 • The Beacon June 26, 2025
Barbecues are part and parcel of Fourth of July celebrations.
Opportunities to entertain will abound this July, and that can take a toll on hosts’ pocketbooks. As the holiday approaches, individuals planning to host a July 4 barbecue can heed these tips to save on food and supplies at the grocery store.
— Ask guests to bring a side and / or beverages. Hot dogs and hamburgers may garner the bulk of the culinary attention at a July 4 barbecue, but side dishes are necessary as well. When inviting guests, ask each to bring a side dish or dessert. Potato salad, mixed greens, pasta salad, chickpea salad and other cold fare go well with traditional barbecue favorites, and asking guests to bring these along can save hosts substantial amounts of money. If guests can’ t bring food, ask them to bring beverages like soft drinks, iced tea, beer or wine.
— Shop ahead. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken breasts and other summer grilling favorites

Have a

can be frozen and thawed out come the day of the barbecue. Shopping ahead for such items

HAPPY4TH

Here are ways to save when shopping for a barbecue

Opportunities to entertain will abound this July, and that can take a toll on hosts’ pocketbooks.
and beverages can help hosts spread out the cost of hosting, which can make it easier to manage the cost of throwing a party, particularly if the guest list figures to be sizable.
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— Consider less expensive cuts of meat. If steak is on the menu at your Independence Day barbecue, consider purchasing less expensive cuts of meat. The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association said chuck cuts like flat-iron steaks and petite filets are flavorful cuts that won’ t cost nearly as much as rib-eyes and New York strip steaks. Hosts also can save on burgers by purchasing ground beef and creating their own patties as opposed to purchasing premade hamburgers from their grocer’ s meat department. The HPBA said chicken thighs, legs or quarters also tend to be less expensive than chicken breasts.
— Grill up healthy fare. Vegetables are less expensive than meat and poultry, and there’ s many ways to prepare veggies over an open flame. Grilled vegetable skewers are flavorful and popular, and guests might appreciate some nutritious fare to counter all the less healthy items they’ re accustomed to eating at July 4 barbecues.

Prepare pets for upcoming Fourth of July festivities

Many people are eager for Independence Day celebrations in early summer. There is much to be excited about, as festivities often begin in the afternoon with barbecues and pool parties and commence late at night after fireworks light up the sky. Still, not everyone enjoys the extra noise and busy nature of July 4 parties, particularly furry members of the family.
Animal-control services often report an increase in lost animals July 4-6. That’ s because the excitement of the holiday puts
pets out of their comfort zones.
While pet owners need not cancel their July 4 plans, they should take heed of the many ways to keep their pets safe during the festivities.
Update identification
Prior to any July 4 events, be sure pets are wearing collars with current identification information. If an address or phone number has changed since the last time you updated microchip records, be sure to check the account is current.
Be careful with alcoholic drinks
Party hosts typically serve beer, wine and cocktails. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets, the ASPCA said. Animals can become very intoxicated, severely depressed or go into comas if they drink alcohol. Keep spirited drinks well out of reach.
Check with the vet
Many pets are prone to anxiety from loud noises such as thunderstorms and fireworks. Some veterinarians recommend
a small course of antianxiety medication or a sedative to help pets cope with the stimuli.
Create a quiet space
Allow pets to ride out the day in their comfortable, quiet and cozy retreats. If necessary, create a space in an interior room. Cover the pet crate with a blanket and offer favorite toys or bedding to create a soothing environment.
Place notes on doors and gates
While it’ s best to keep
pets in a locked room away from the fray, some pets like to socialize with guests and are not bothered by noises. However, alert guests with notes posted on doors and fence gates to check to make sure pets are not trying to escape behind them. All doors should be closed firmly when entering or exiting.
Pick up debris
Firework debris can rain down on properties even if you were not shooting off the fireworks. Curious pets may pick it
up or eat it, which runs the risk of an upset stomach or even an intestinal blockage. Check your yard before letting pets out to play.
Keep an eye on the grill
Pets can be opportunists, and those burgers and chicken drumsticks smell delicious to pets. Pets that get too close to the grill can become injured. And if pets eat leftovers, they may end up with digestive distress or even be poisoned by foods that are toxic to cats and dogs.