Record setting heat this 4th of July. The last time it was even close to being this hot on Independence day was in 1921. It was 99 degrees that year and Wednesday we topped that hitting 100 degrees on the nose. And with temperatures reaching triple digits a lot of people couldn't bare to be outdoors next to a flaming grill cooking hotdog's and hamburgers.
The 4th of July is almost synonymous with cook out. But when excessive heat outside makes it feel like you're the one cooking on hot coals avoiding the heat takes precedence over holiday traditions. Regina Garrett said, "Oh no! I'll save the barbeque for September."
This year new Independence day traditions were started at the pool, movie theaters, and ice cream shops. "We are out today in search of 4th of July fun and something to keep cool," said Hannah Haws.
A lot of people were moving their celebrations to cooler spots. There was a constant line at the Cinemark Theatre in Mishawaka and a constant crowd in the Potawatomi pool. Austin Deleon said, "when you get in the water it's a lot better."
But not everyone is forgoing the cookout for staying cool. Verla Curry said, "you gotta grill on 4th of July it's part of the day! It's part of the fun!" She and her family are doing both the best they can. "They've got this water sprinkler over here. We've been throwing water on the kids," said Curry. But her family is one of few this holiday who thinks the hotdog's and hamburgers are worth the time in the heat.
If you're getting ice cream to beat the heat you may even have to make some changes to your normal order because of the high temps. Ritter's Frozen Custard in Mishawaka said they are encouraging people not to get ice cream cones but instead get the sweet treat in a cup. Because it's so hot the ice cream is dripping down the cones and causing a big mess before it can even be consumed.
