Everything You Wanted to Know about the 4th of July

hipmunk INDEPENDENCE DAY FUN Every year, patriots and pyros alike celebrate the birth of their beloved United States by happily exploding over $950 million worth of fireworks. In 2007, 238 million pounds of fireworks were set ablaze by consumers while over 14,000 fireworks shows glittered in the night sky. In 1778, George Washington celebrated the 4th by giving his men a double ration of rum. х JUL In 1779, July 4th landed on a Sunday - so events were rescheduled for the 5th. [RESCHEDULED] Held since 1785, Bristol, Rhode Island has the oldest, continuous July 4th celebration in US history. The first recorded use of "Independence Day" occurred in 1791. Since 1916, Nathan's Hot Dog Eating contest has been held in Coney Island. The month of July is National Hot Dog Month. Over 155,000,000 hot dogs will be eaten July 4th. Over half a million people will attend Washington D.C's free concert and fireworks event, "A Capitol Fourth." Sources: http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/cb11-ff13.html http://www1.american.edu/heintze/fourth.htm http://www.dailyfinance.com/2010/07/03/the-recession-proof-fireworks-industry-more-bang-more-bucks/ http://www.americanpyro.com/pdf/FireworksRevenuebylndustrySegment1998-10.pdf http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/2009/07/04/20090704biz-fireworks0704.html http://www.factmonster.com/spot/hotdog1.html © 2011 Hipmunk, Inc. design by: Shaun Sanders