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There are only a handful of weekends each year that practically demand you fire up the grill, and the Fourth of July sits right at the top of the list. Whether you're hosting the whole neighborhood, heading to the lake, or keeping things simple with family in the backyard, this is the weekend to slow down, cook something memorable, and enjoy the people around your table.

If you're looking to elevate your cookout beyond burgers and hot dogs, we've got a few ideas to help.

Welcome back to The Meat Platter.

This July marks the beginning of America's 250th birthday celebration. A milestone honoring two and a half centuries since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It's a fitting reminder that some of our favorite traditions, sharing a meal outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and celebrating our freedoms are as much a part of the American story as the stars and stripes themselves.

Instead of serving everyone the same burger this holiday weekend, set up a burger bar and let your guests create their own versions of a classic.

Of course, stick with your staples: tomato, pickle, lettuce, onion. But what’s holding you back from pepper jack, pimento cheese, avocado, grilled jalapeños, or even BBQ sauce?

The Motherload is an easy way to take your burger up a knotch, while remaining true to your roots. And lucky for you, that top tier sauce is made by yours truly.

We are keeping it courteous of the red, white, and blue this month in honor of our 250th Birthday this year. The July Playlist is as predictable as it gets in the best way possible. But if loving your country isn’t your thing, click over to our Spotify page.

There’s something for everyone and if there isn’t, do you even like music?

We’re close enough to the coast in NE Georgia that shrimp can still be fresh-ish and delicious on the grill. These come together in under 20 minutes and disappear even faster.

Mix together:

• ½ cup melted butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice of one lemon

• Chopped parsley

• Chives

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• Paprika

• Crushed red pepper

• Salt & pepper

Toss large shrimp in a little oil, season lightly, then grill about 2 minutes per side over high heat. Brush generously with the cowboy butter during the final minute and serve the remaining sauce alongside grilled bread.

It's an easy appetizer while everyone waits for the main event or can be filling enough with those quintessential Southern sides.

Did you know, Americans consume an estimated 150 million hot dogs on the Fourth of July alone.

That's enough hot dogs to stretch from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles more than five times.

For years, pellet grills dominated conversations around what was trendy and here to stay.

Now the outdoor cooking world is embracing flat-top cooking just as enthusiastically.

In a recent interview, Weber Blackstone CEO Roger Dahle explained that the future of outdoor cooking isn't one grill replacing another. It's people owning multiple cookers for different experiences. Charcoal for flavor. Griddles for speed. Gas for convenience.

That's good news for charcoal lovers. Live-fire cooking isn't competing anymore. It's becoming the premium experience…wild, right?

While you’re showing off your charcoal skillz, don’t forget to Treat Your Companion with The Companion dog treats. They’re BOGO free until Monday so seems like a good time to spoil your furry friend.

Grilled Peach Burrata Crostini. This might become your surprise hit this weekend.

Brush thick slices of sourdough with olive oil.

Grill until lightly charred. Then take those peach slices and do the same damn thing.

Top crostini with burrata, grilled peaches, hot honey, flaky salt, basil and cracked black pepper.

Five ingredients. Five minutes. Lookin’ like a pro.

This section will only primarily concern the NE Georgians in our e-mail list, but serves as a reminder to celebrate and support the community you live in during the holidays. The efforts of our civil servants are tireless to make these celebrations seamless and safe for us all and we are so grateful!

Laurel Park | Gainesville
The biggest celebration in Hall County returns with the 62nd Annual Independence Day Celebration. Gates open at 9 a.m., with food vendors, live music, family activities, the splash pad, playgrounds, and one of North Georgia's largest fireworks shows over Lake Lanier beginning around 9–9:30 p.m. Even better, parking proceeds benefit local veterans through the American Legion.

Lanier Islands
If you're looking to make a full day of it, Lanier Islands is hosting an all-day Independence Day celebration featuring lakeside activities, live entertainment, beach access, and a fireworks spectacular over the water after dark.

Braselton
Downtown Braselton's celebration combines small-town charm with live music, food vendors, lawn games, and fireworks after sunset.

Dahlonega
Few places celebrate Independence Day like Dahlonega. The historic square comes alive with a patriotic parade, classic car show, Firecracker 5K, live music throughout downtown, and a fireworks finale at the University of North Georgia Drill Field.

Cleveland
White County is celebrating America's 250th with Independence Day 250 at Freedom Park, featuring a morning 5K, live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, family activities, and fireworks at dusk.

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What did the sparkler say to the charcoal?

—You light up the party... I just show off.