Instead of the usual barbeque followed by fireworks, my boyfriend and I decided to do something different and booked a dinner cruise on a riverboat for Independence Day.

An air conditioned, chartered bus picked us up at a mall parking lot and drove us to the river it was much better than taking our own car. It gave us more time to relax and enjoy the day. The riverboat was a replica of an old time, steam powered paddlewheel boat. It was painted white with red trim and had two black stacks rising above the top deck. The railings were decorated in red, white and blue bunting. A band on the lower deck was playing Dixieland music.

Another band was playing rock and roll oldies in the lounge. The bar was open and serving cocktails, Corona beer and Sebastiani wine. Finger foods were set out on a two tables. The table was decorated with carved fruit and an ice sculpture of the Liberty bell. The dining room across the passageway was closed, but through the windows we saw the staff setting up the tables for dinner.

About an hour later, dinner was announced and we made our way back to the middle floor. The table linens and chair covers were white and the place settings were all in red, white, and blue. On each table was a centerpiece made from strips of Mylar that looked like bursting fireworks. Mixed green salad was followed by dinner. The choices were baked chicken, steak or Louisiana style ribs; mixed vegetables or corn on the cob and Mississippi mud or apple pie for dessert.

After dinner we strolled on the top deck and watched the fireworks show. Meanwhile, the staff cleared the dining room and set up the stage and chairs for the “Star-Spangled Revue” a Vegas style show. Look-alike actors and actresses dazzled us with their ability to sing and dance just like the genuine articles. After the show there were 21 and roulette tables in the lounge where guests could try their luck. A fortuneteller read tarot cards for those guests who perhaps were looking for a change in luck.

It was getting late when we disembarked from the riverboat, but the bus was waiting. On the ride back we talked about how it the cruise was so much fun we planned to go on next year.