FILE - American flag is seen on display during the Doo Dah party in Goodale Park on the Fourth of July in Columbus, Ohio, in 2021. (Photo by Stephen Zenner/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) The Fourth of July is an annual federal holiday that celebrates the day the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.That day, 246 years ago, there were roughly 2.5 million people living in the newly formed nation’s 13 colonies.
Now the U.S. has a population of more than 331.8 million, and many ofthese American households will participate in a Fourth of July gathering or event.JULY 4TH FAVORITES: HOT DOG AND HAMBURGER ECONOMICS Here are 10 quick facts about Fourth of July food and firework spending, celebrations and travel plans.84 – The National Retail Federation’s (NRF) Independence Day projection predicts 84% of Americans plan to celebrate the day and spend $84.12 per person on various food items.59 – Of those who plan to celebrate the Fourth of July, 59% are planning to host a cookout, barbecue or picnic, according to the NRF.50 million – The National Hot Dog & Sausage Council estimates that Americans ate 150 million hot dogs in 2021.
The council says if someone laid out these hot dogs in real-life, the combined length would be "enough to stretch from D.C. to L.A.
more than five times."FILE - Competitive eaters Carmen Cincotti, Joey Chestnut and Matt Stonie at the 2017 Nathans Famous 4th Of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest with 72 hot dogs at Coney Island on July 4, 2017, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.