4^th of July is one of the biggest holidays of the year; its summertime and vacations are being enjoyed by college students and working folks alike.

As a way to celebrate America’s independence from the 13 colonies, Independence Day has been celebrated in a variety of ways. Usually you think of barbeques, picnics, family reunions, and tons of fireworks when it comes to celebrating 4^th of July.

The way we celebrate this patriotic holiday has changed over the years.

• In 1777, a year after the signing of the declaration of independence, 13 gunshots were fired in Bristol, Rhode Island. In Philadelphia an official dinner was held amongst the Continental Congress which included speeches, music, toasts, fireworks and another 13-gun shot salute.



• One year later George Washington marked independence day by providing an extra ration of rum for his soldiers, and an artillery salute.
• In 1779, Independence Day was actually celebrated on a Monday due to July 4^th falling on a Sunday.
• It wasn’t until 1870 that July 4^th was marked as a holiday for federal employees, even then it was unpaid.  60 years later it was changed to a paid holiday.
• In 2009 New York hosted the largest display of fireworks in the country; they used over 22 tons of pyrotechnics.
• It is believed that the first ever Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog eating contest was completed on July 4^th. The contest is considered to have settled a dispute amongst four immigrants about who was the most patriotic. July is also National Hot Dog month.
• Approximately 81 million people barbequed at least once in the past year, more than likely this was during a 4^th of July celebration.
• 1,400 hand injuries are caused by fireworks every year.
• 4^th of July is the biggest holiday for beer sales; approximately 63 million cases of beer are sold on Independence Day.