A fabulous, food-filled Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is about freedom from oppression, standing up for what’s right, and honoring the founding of the United States of America. Of course, most of us celebrate this solemn occasion the way we do every other holiday: by eating shitloads of food. But if you’re going to do it, you might as well do it right. Here are Decider’s recommendations for where to get the best staples for gorging on our nation’s birthday.

Burgers and fries
If you’re going to eat a burger—and you know you’re going to—it’s always best to buy fresh meat and grill it up yourself so you can sit on the porch a la Norman Rockwell. Jenifer Street Market has an awesome meat selection, and it’ll be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. For fries, simply boil chopped potatoes in some oil and hit them hard with salt. Then splay your fries alongside the burger, and chow down American-style.

Hot dogs
Ella’s Deli is Madison’s permanent carnival, so maybe it stands to reason they have some of the best kosher hot dogs in town. It’ll be open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., which will provide plenty of time to eat while checking out the psychedelic cornucopia of paper-mâché, pop-culture detritus; piñatas; and see-through tables stocked with plastic fish.

Watermelon
Watermelon is a must on a steamy July day, and it’s often on sale at the many Sentry and Copps locations in town. The seedless variety is an easier-to-eat, genetically modified option, but spitting seeds at your friends is way more fun.

Potato salad
French-style potato salad can be delicious: Dijon mustard, olive oil, dry white wine, minced shallots, fennel, and tarragon. If that’s not to your liking, no picnic is complete without the Americanized, mayo-laden glop that teeters on the edge of turning into a bowl of botulism as it fights the hot afternoon sun. It’s easy enough to make, but buying one of its three varieties ("house," mustard, and deviled egg) at Knoche’s Food Center (5372 Old Middleton Road) is a whole lot easier.

Apple pie
Even though Lane’s Bakery is closed on July 4 and 5, you can still pick up this paragon of American-ness in advance from Lane’s Bakery. They’re only $9, and there's no reservation fee.

Ice cream
Show your patriotic stripes at the Chocolate Shoppe with a triple-scoop ice cream cone piled high with strawberry, vanilla, and blueberry cheesecake ice cream. Eat it fast, or these colors will run.

Lemonade
Relaxing in the shade with a glass of cool, refreshing lemonade was one of the pillars our nation was founded on. (Okay, we don’t know that for sure, but if not, it should have been.) It's easy to cook up a batch of the homemade stuff with equal parts fresh lemon juice, sugar, water, and ice. That’ll make a fairly sweet brew, so if you’re looking for something tangier, just reduce the amount of sugar. Brennan's (5533 University Ave. and 8210 Watts Road) has an excellent citrus selection, but any lemon will work just fine. And, of course, powdered Country Time lemonade is always there for you if you’re in a pinch (or just plain lazy).