From Big Cities to Small Town Main Streets, America to Celebrate July 4 in Record Style

Despite heat and storms, nearly 61 million will hit the roads, spend $9.4 billion on food, $2.4 billion on fireworks over the four-day Independence Day weekend.

The U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument during the Independence Day fireworks display along the National Mall in Washington on July 4, 2023. Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Americans are projected to travel in record numbers, spend more than ever, and endure searing temperatures and violent thunderstorms in many areas when they commemorate the nation’s 248th Independence Day on Thursday.

Heat and storms aside, they will, nevertheless, celebrate.