By Madeleine Fuselier
The Orange Leader

Citizens of the United States will celebrate the 239th anniversary of our country’s independence on Saturday. For most people, July fourth brings to mind fireworks and barbeque, but a lesser known holiday falls on the same date: National Fry an Egg on the Sidewalk Day. Everyone knows the age-old saying, “It’s hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk!” During scorching Orange, Texas summers, this claim can often seem true. We all know what it’s like to live in the giant skillet that is Southeast Texas. But has anyone in our community actually tried to fry an egg on the sidewalk? Has anyone even heard of National Fry an Egg on the Sidewalk Day before? A hard-hitting investigation was launched to find out.
Local business owner, Giri Mohan, was surprised to learn that there was such a thing as National Fry an Egg on the Sidewalk Day. He has never attempted to fry an egg on the sidewalk, and he does not believe it would be possible. Mohan does not plan to test this hypothesis, citing health and sanitation concerns.
High school student, McKenna Morris, has in fact tried to fry an egg on the sidewalk before. “My friends and I were very impatient,” Morris said. “We waited approximately two minutes before cleaning the egg up and walking away.”
Although she was unsuccessful in her endeavor, Morris recommends “doing it with young children because it’s a very fun experience even if it doesn’t work.”
Morris also said she already knew about National Fry an Egg on the Sidewalk Day from Twitter.
Ruth Bishop, of Orange, had never heard of National Fry an Egg on the Sidewalk Day, nor has she ever tried to fry an egg on the sidewalk herself. Although Bishop suspects it would be possible to fry an egg on side walk, she does not plan to participate in any National Fry an Egg on the Sidewalk Day festivities this year.
Anna Curtis, who is visiting Orange from the Woodlands, said she tried to fry an egg on the sidewalk when she was a child but doesn’t remember whether or not it worked. She will not be frying any eggs this July fourth.
“I’m going to tell my kids [about National Fry an Egg on the Sidewalk Day] to give them the opportunity,” Curtis said.
Susanne York, who is also visiting from the Woodlands, has fond memories of trying to fry eggs on the pavement in the parking lot of Six Flags when she was young. Her efforts were rewarded with partial success.
“The clear part turned white but the yellow part didn’t cook,” York said.
As we celebrate our country’s independence and the freedom we enjoy as Americans, why not take the opportunity to add another fun activity to our July fourth plans? When you head to the grocery store to stock up on your Fourth of July essentials, be sure to grab some eggs. Even if your attempts to fry your breakfast on the sidewalk are unsuccessful, have fun, be safe, and have a very happy Fourth of July and National Fry an Egg on the Sidewalk Day!