Memories of Bicentennial Celebrations and a Special Recipe

Our country’s bicentennial celebrations in 1976 were remarkable events, especially for a child. The festivities this weekend for the Fourth of July lack the grandeur seen during those times. I have continued my tradition of serving as the holiday parade grandstand announcer and judge for the town of Munster’s parade. Witnessing the shared patriotism and smiles, despite the weather, is reassuring. Yet, I ponder whether my expectations for the 2026 celebrations are overshadowed by cherished memories from 50 years ago.

In 1976, I was five years old and lucky enough to experience Disney World’s Magic Kingdom’s ‘Spirit of ‘76’ theme. This celebration marked both the country’s bicentennial and Disney World’s fifth birthday. My parents took my siblings and me to witness this event. Disney succeeded in capturing the essence of patriotism through themed parades and special characters. Although Walt Disney himself never got to see his Florida theme park vision realized, his influence remained. Disney’s original theme park in Anaheim, California, opened in 1955 with Main Street U.S.A. designed with patriotic themes. The Florida Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, featuring Liberty Square dedicated to U.S. history and the Hall of Presidents attraction.

My mother purchased history-themed souvenirs at Disney World in 1976. These included trays and bowls with illustrations by newspaper artist Ken Haag. My vivid memories include patriotic parades with bands, floats, and Disney characters dressed as historical figures. My mother captured parade photos using a Kodak flashcube camera. A notable float featured an American eagle with Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy clad in the iconic ‘Spirit of ’76’ roles originally depicted by Archibald M. Willard in 1876.

Currently, Disney properties acknowledge the U.S.A.’s 250th birthday with limited observances like special fireworks and parade floats, falling short of the 1976 celebrations.

To honor the spirit of the occasion, I share an old-fashioned molasses cookie recipe from Walt Disney Resorts’ files, paying homage to actress Margaret Kerry. Kerry, known for being the model for Tinker Bell, passed away at 97 on June 11.

Neverland’s Molasses Cookies Recipe

Makes 2 dozen

• Margarine (for greasing cookie sheets)
• 1 stick margarine or butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup light or dark molasses
• 1 egg
• 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease two cookie sheets with margarine.
2. Cream margarine in a mixing bowl until soft and fluffy. Add sugar, molasses, and egg, mixing thoroughly.
3. Sift flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon into another bowl. Gradually add this to the first mixture, mixing well.
4. Shape dough into a round, wrap in waxed paper or plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 2 hours.
5. Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thick. Cut cookies and place on greased sheets with space between them.
6. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes. Cool on wire racks after removal from the sheets.

Columnist Philip Potempa has published four cookbooks and is a weekly radio host at WJOB 1230 AM. Contact him at [email protected] or mail to From the Farm, PO Box 68, San Pierre, Ind. 46374.