July 4th Fun Facts
- 1777 was the first year fireworks were used in an official Fourth of July celebration. Congress authorized using fireworks to help mark the first anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
- There was an estimated 2.5 million people living in the 13 colonies on July 4, 1776.
- Fourth of July became a federal holiday in 1870.
- China is credited with the invention of fireworks. Italy was credited for making fireworks bright and beautiful by discovering the use of metallic powders to create desired colors.
- 86 places in the U.S. have “independence,” “liberty,” “freedom,” or “eagle” in their names.
- 61% of Americans will attend a July 4th picnic.
- In 2020, an estimated $76.49 would be spent per person on July 4th food items.
- 150 million hot dogs are consumed each July 4th.
- 74 is the record number of hot dogs eaten in 10 minutes by Joey Chestnut in 2018.
- Costs $25,000-$100,000 to host a municipal fireworks display.
- $5 million is the minimum insurance coverage recommended for fireworks shows.
- 65% of Americans say fireworks shows are their favorite July 4th activity. Followed by 32% of people saying food, and 28% of people saying going to the beach.
- Massachusetts is the only state that bans all consumer fireworks.
- In 2020, it was estimated that 28% of Americans would purchase patriotic merchandise.
Sources:
- https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/history/info-07-2012/fourth-of-july-history-quiz.html#quest1
- https://selecthealth.org/blog/2016/06/7-things-about-fireworks
- https://wallethub.com/blog/4th-of-july-facts/22075
- https://www.impactplus.com/blog/july-4-buyer-consumer-behaviors-infographic