America’s Independence Day celebrated on 4th July is BIG business. It is estimated that Americans spent approximately $9.5 billion on food and drink in 2023. Over 150 million hot dogs are consumed across the States – I don’t know if that includes those consumed at the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest held every 4th July since 1972 at Coney Island -NY. If you are interested the record stands at 76 eaten in 10 minutes by Joey Chestnut. Competitors have to eat both the sausage and the bun.
Fireworks are synonymous with 4th July celebrations and most cities and towns have organised parades followed by a fireworks display. It is estimated that Americans spend over $1 billion on fireworks every year.
New York – New York has the biggest display organised by Macy’s Department Store. It is a free event and for more information and best viewing spots See Macys Fireworks.
The town claiming to hold the longest continuous celebration is Bristol – Rhode Island. The first Patriotic Exercises were held in 1785 and now an annual 2.5 mile parade is followed by fireworks. For more information and history about Bristol see America’s Continuous 4th July Celebration
The longest parade route for 4th July belongs to Alameda – CA near the city of Oakland and takes two hours to complete and covers 3.3 miles.
Shopping is also a treat on 4th July with many stores holding big sales over the holiday period.
The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is rung 13 times at 14:00hrs every Independence Day to honour the 13 original States. It was also Philadelphia that held the first fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day in 1777. The fireworks were accompanied by canon fire and bells.
Three American Presidents who had signed the Declaration of Independence have died on 4th July – Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died in 1826 on the 5oth anniversary of America’s Independence and James Monroe died five years later in 1831.
Calvin Coolridge was the only future President born on Independence Day in 1872.
Facts about the Stars & Stripes
There have been 27 different versions of the Stars & Stripes. Twenty Five of those have been to the Stars because they represent the number of States. Hawaii was the last star to be added in 1959.
Apparently Federal regulations decree that the American Flag can only be flown from sunrise to sunset unless it is illuminated. According to the flag code it is also technically wrong to wear the Stars & Stripes on clothing, bedding or drapery.
When the American Flag is folded into a triangle it is supposed to represent a three-cornered hat in the style of the day of George Washington.
The Star Spangled Banner became America’s National Anthem in 1931 when President Herbert Hoover signed the Congressional Resolution.
There are 33 places across America called Liberty. Four of them are counties in the States of Texas, Georgia, Florida and Montana.
Happy 4th and however you are celebrating Independence Day have a great time.
USA Road Trips by Max 
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