As I walked out of Lowe’s today, I noticed all the grills lined up outside almost like a bunch of would-be American Idol contestants waiting for their chance to be seen or heard, or in this case, fired up.

While Memorial Day is the official kick-off weekend for grill usage in most of the U.S., we Tucsonans can grill turkeys for Thanksgiving while marching to our own barbequing biological clock.

Here’s what a few food markets are offering this coming 4th of July holiday weekend:

Whole Foods Market
All natural hot dogs and veggie dogs will be 50% off from July 2 through 5 – such a deal. Wine is 20% off when you buy six bottles or more during the same dates. At 3360 E. Speedway Blvd. (520.795.9844), sample wine during two free tastings on Friday, July 3 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 4 from noon to 2 p.m. 

Independencia de los Estados Unidos
Food City offers boneless beef chuck steak for $1.69/lb., bone-in country style pork ribs at $.89/lb., and raw shrimp (71 to 90 ct.) for $2.99/lb.; Food City hot dog and hamburger buns (8 ct.) for $.99/package while a one pound package of Bar-S meat franks is $.69. Freshly made tortillas are available at selected stores.

At Food City you can also make a donation at the cash register to help the families of the victims of the terrible Hermosillo daycare center fire.
Parking Lot Extravaganza
Stop by the Sunflower Market at 4282 N. 1st Avenue from 3 to 6 p.m. for a 4th of July celebration of cotton candy, games, and more.

All three Tucson Sunflower Markets are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. This week, deals include bing cherries for $.99/lb., seedless watermelon $.33/lb., 4-oz. frozen lobster tails for $3.97/each, hot dog and hamburger buns (6 ct.) for $1.99/package, and all natural pork spareribs for $1.99/lb.

And don’t forget those condiments of mustard, relish, ketchup or catsup, BBQ sauce, mayo, soy sauce, salsa, and of course, pickles.