There’s a children’s song that goes “make new friends, but keep the old.”
This philosophy might be applied to Red, White & Blue days, the Creative Discovery Museum’s celebration of the Fourth of July, which combines tradition with original activities designed to stimulate the mind and (sorry, adults) the eardrums.
According to Jayne Griffin, director of education at CDM, tradition not only creates points of nostalgia for children, but repetition leads to stability.
“Red, White & Blue Days provide a wonderful way to celebrate traditions rooted in American society in a way that is easy to access,” said Erica Campbell, experience manager. “These festivities make the holiday extra special for the entire family. Plus, this is a child-friendly way to celebrate the holiday in a safe manner while also beating the heat.”
Still, there’s a fine line between tradition and mundacity, and in the interest of not getting bored, the staff at the museum has worked to keep interest high by combining the old and new. While in past years, a traditional parade (don’t forget your noisemakers) through the museum’s atrium has simply ended, several years ago, a new tradition of bubble-wrap fireworks was incorporated.
“It’s amazing how much it sounds like real fireworks,” Griffin said. “The kids can’t wait to get through the parade just to be able to stomp on the bubbles.”
Before the parade, children are invited to go sprinkler running on the plaza. Other activities include Fourth of July-inspired crafts and stories.
Of course, at the heart of every holiday is the food. So last year, they added a sampling of traditional July Fourth picnic foods, such as corn, baked beans, watermelon and miniature hot dogs, under a tent in the Rooftop Fun Factory.
In this way, Griffin and staff were able to keep things fresh at the Creative Discovery Museum while maintaining elements of nostalgia for families.
“We made it new by adding something traditional,” she said.
IF YOU GO
What: Red, White & Blue Days.
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday (museum open 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily).
Where: Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut St.
Admission: $10.95.
Phone: 756-2738.
Web site: www.cdmfun.org.
RED, WHITE & BLUE DAYS SCHEDULE
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Watermelons and sprinklers on the plaza
1 p.m. Parade in the atrium
1:05 p.m. Bubble-wrap fireworks
2-4 p.m. Picnic treats under the rooftop tent
Note: A clogging troupe will entertain at noon Sunday.