The Fourth of July holiday is always a fun time to get together with family and friends to celebrate our country’s birthday! Do you have plans for the holiday? My family plans to spend a lot of time grilling, swimming, and relaxing! We also plan to spend time with friends as well as visit family members.
Independence Day is traditionally a popular time for travel, with nearly 70.9 million Americans planning to venture 50 miles or more from their home this year. This number is up 5% over 2023 and sets a new record, according to Wallethub.
The majority of those traveling (85%) plan to drive, but nearly 6 million people will travel by plane.
Fourth of July 2024 Food Facts
For many of us, Independence Day celebrations are all about the food.
According to research from Wallethub, 66% of Americans plan to attend some kind of Fourth of July picnic. And if you’re attending a gathering, you’re likely bringing food! Americans plan to spend $9.4 billion on food this year. Here are a few other fun facts about expected consumer spending:
- 750 million pounds of chicken are purchased in the week leading up to the holiday
- July 4th is America’s top beer-drinking holiday, with an estimated $4 billion spent on alcoholic beverages
- Hot dogs cost an estimated 7.3% more this year compared to last year
In 2023, Americans spent $675 million on beef products for the holiday. The second-largest expense for consumer grocery bills last year was chicken at $338 million.
Festive Fireworks Celebrations
It wouldn’t be the 4th of July without fireworks! Wallethub estimates that Americans spent more than $2.7 billion dollars on fireworks in 2023. Communities in the United States hold more than 14,000 firework displays each year, and 44% of us plan to attend one.
Here in New York, the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular costs an estimated $6 million. More than 3 million people watch the display from the banks of the Hudson River, while another 4.6 million people tune in to watch it on television.
Drone shows are becoming increasingly popular in communities instead of fireworks. These spectacular light shows are preferred by many people because they don’t produce as much air pollution or trash. And, they aren’t loud like fireworks shows, which can be triggering for veterans, people with PTSD, and pets.
What are your plans for the holiday weekend? Will you travel or stay close to home? Let me know in the comment section!
Summer Scanning Refresher
As you plan your July 4th activities, don’t forget to scan the products you buy! It’s easy to overlook last-minute purchases, especially if they’re things you don’t regularly buy.
Remember to scan the purchases you make on the way to a picnic or barbecue. If you stop at the convenience store, grocery store or somewhere else, be sure to scan your snacks and beverages, including beer and liquor. If you’re traveling for the weekend, make sure to scan any travel-size items you buy to take along.
Holiday purchases might include:
- Charcoal & lighter fluid
- Grilling utensils
- Paper & plastic products
- Condiments like mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce
- Marinades and spices
- Insect repellent & sunscreen
PSC Info for the holiday
The Panel Support Center will be closed on Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5, in observance of Independence Day.
Enjoy the weekend and stay safe!
Best regards,
Taylor
Blog comment reminder: If you have a panel-related issue that you need assistance with such as a problem with scanning or your rewards, please contact our Panel Support Center directly and they will be happy to assist you! You can reach them at 1-800-962-6700 or email them at [email protected]. You can send a message from NCP’s Facebook page. Please don’t enter panel-related issues or share any personal panel membership information in the blog comment section. Any issues will be addressed faster if you contact our support center directly. Thank you so much!
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