On Monday, we celebrate America’s 240th birthday. Independence Day is always a fun day, filled with BBQs and seeing family and friends. I love having a tasty BBQ with my extended family and then going to a local beach where we all enjoy a spectacular fireworks display.

What will you be doing this holiday weekend?

According to the National Retail Federation, an estimated 214 million people plan on celebrating the holiday. Consumers will spend an average of $71.34 per household on food for barbecues and picnics, which is about the same as last year. Total spending on food for this year’s holiday is expected to reach $6.8 billion.

Among the many ways Americans plan to celebrate include the following, according to the National Retail Federation:

  • Cookout/BBQ/picnic: 64.5%
  • Fireworks/community celebration: 42.6%
  • Travel/vacation: 12.7%
  • Will not celebrate: 12.5%
  • Attending a parade: 12.4%
  • Other: 8.5%

Speaking of BBQs and picnics, a whole lot of food will be eaten to celebrate the holiday! According to wallethub.com:

  • 150 million hot dogs are consumed each July Fourth holiday
  • 700 million pounds of chicken are purchased in the week prior to the Fourth of July
  • 190 million pounds of beef are bought in two weeks in advance

The Fourth of July holiday is also a time when many people will hit the road. If you will be traveling and unable to record your purchases and transmit, please let us know! Contact the Panel Support Center by phone (1-800-962-6700) or email them at [email protected]. Please be sure to include your nine-digit panelist ID number in the email or have it handy when you call.

You should always let us know if you can’t scan due to vacation, illness, or any other personal reason so you don’t lose out on earning gift points and sweepstakes entries.

If you’re an NCPMobile App user, you can continue to scan while away on vacation.

I also want to reminder you that as we enter the prime grilling season, please make sure you scan all of your BBQ-related purchases! These include such items as charcoal, lighter fluid, condiments, paper products, grilling utensils, and even insect repellent and sunscreen!

Enjoy the holiday!

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