This July 4th, Americans will spend more on beer, wine than fireworks
And AAA found a record 48.9 million Americans plan to travel over the holiday, a 4.1 percent increase from last year.
FILE - Fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 2014. This year, Americans will spend more on wine and beer for the Fourth of July than they will on fireworks, a study says. (Steven M. Falk / Staff Photographer)Read moreSteven M. Falk / File Photograph
Americans will spend $1.6 billion on Fourth of July beer and wine, surpassing the amount they are expected to spend on fireworks, according to a new report from WalletHub.
And AAA found that a record 48.9 million Americans plan to travel over the holiday, a 4.1 percent increase from last year.
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“This holiday builds on the strong travel demand seen for Memorial Day, and with schools now out of session across the country, families coast to coast are eager to travel,” Paula Twidale, vice president of AAA Travel, said in a news release.
For those living in Philadelphia or spending their holiday in the city, Visit Philadelphia compiled an Independence Day guide describing the annual Wawa Welcome America festival, which includes the Party on the Parkway, free or pay-as-you-wish entrance to 22 museums and attractions, and a birthday party at the Independence Visitor Center with Betsy Ross.
AAA warned travelers of delays near major cities, and the mix of commuters and holiday travelers on Wednesday was expected to make it the worst day for traffic. Delays nationwide are expected to increase about 9 percent, but around major cities, commutes could take up to four times as long.
“With record-level travelers hitting the road this holiday, drivers must be prepared for delays around our major metros,” said Trevor Reed, transportation analyst at INRIX Inc., a Washington-based transportation analytics company.
The Fourth of July celebrations include an expected $1 billion being spent on fireworks, $6.8 billion on food, and $5.4 million worth of imported American flags, according to the WalletHub report. And 150 million hot dogs are eaten each year.
Although more Americans (61 percent) plan to have a cookout than celebrate with fireworks (40 percent), Philadelphia city leaders still encourage residents to leave the fireworks to those trained to set them off.
“While it can be tempting to get in on the action on July Fourth and other holidays, we always encourage Philadelphians to leave fireworks to the experts,” Mayor Jim Kenney said in a statement.
The Independence Day celebrations continued with a dazzling fireworks display choreographed to a custom patriotic soundtrack created and performed by the United States Army Field Band. This is the first time in Welcome America history that the United States Army Field Band will perform live on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art as the fireworks light up the sky on July 4, 2019.Read moreCHARLES FOX / CHARLES FOX / Staff Photographer
The United States Army Field Band performs live on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art as the rockets red glare explode overhead during the Welcome America Fourth of July festivities on the Parkway July 4, 2019.Read more
Fans use their cellphone light as Megan Trainor performs during the Welcome America Fourth of July festivities in Phila., Pa. on July 4, 2019.Read moreELIZABETH ROBERTSON / Staff Photographer
A performance by two-time Grammy Award-winning artist and Academy Award-winning actress, Jennifer Hudson, alongside the Philly POPS BIG Band on July 4, 2019.Read moreCHARLES FOX / Staff Photographer
Fans sing along as Jennifer Hudson performs during the Welcome America Fourth of July festivities in Phila., Pa. on July 4, 2019.Read moreELIZABETH ROBERTSON / Staff Photographer
Isaac Dunbar (left) and Steven Grutman walking down the Parkway dressed in American flags, during the Party on the Parkway on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, in Center City, Philadelphia on Thursday, July 4, 2019.Read moreANTHONY PEZZOTTI / Staff Photographer
Isaac Dunbar, 22, of Delawre County, Pa., brought his friend, Steven Grutman, 22, of Baltimore, Md., to Philadelphia, Pa., to attend his first Wawa Welcome America July 4th event filled with festvities and concerts on Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Thursday, July 4, 2019.Read moreTYGER WILLIAMS / Staff Photographer
The Harris family walking down the Parkway with their ponchos as it starts to rain during the Party on the Parkway on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, in Center City, Philadelphia on Thursday, July 4, 2019.Read moreANTHONY PEZZOTTI / Staff Photographer
Nicholas Busillo, 5, playing in the sprinkler during the Party on the Parkway, taking place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, in Center City, Philadelphia on Thursday, July 4, 2019.Read moreANTHONY PEZZOTTI / Staff Photographer
Sophia Houn, 11, left, and her sister Sovana Houn, 7, are from Cambodia and are getting their citizaenship at the Betsy Ross House on Thursday, July 4, 2019. The two are excited about today and have their families in the crowd supporting them.Read moreTYGER WILLIAMS / Staff Photographer
The 13 children raise their hands and restate oath of allegiance, to become American citizens, lead by Michael A. Catalano, Section Chief, for the sixteenth annual Dar-Sar-Car Fouth of July Children's Citizenship and "Let Freedom Ring" Ceremony at the Betsy Ross House on Thursday, July 4, 2019. Thirteen kids from all over the country including Burma, Cambodia, Dominican Republic, Guinea, Malaysia, Morocco, and Pakistan gain their citizenship.Read moreTYGER WILLIAMS / Staff Photographer
Desendants of the signers of the Declaration of Independence circle around the Liberty Bell for the annual patriotic celebration of tapping the bell 13 times commemorating the sacrifices of the Patriots of our 13 original colonies the Liberty Bell Center in Center City, Philadelphia on Thursday, July 4, 2019.Read moreANTHONY PEZZOTTI / Staff Photographer
Participants in the WAWA Welcome America Salute to America Independence Day Parade dance down Market Street during the Celebration on the 4th of July, 2019, in Philadelphia.Read moreJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer
Five-year-old Harper Biedenbender waves a flag during the Salute to America Independence Day Parade part of the WAWA Welcome America Celebration on the 4th of July, 2019, in Philadelphia.Read moreJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer
A Flag is carried past Independence Hall during the Salute to America Independence Day Parade part of the WAWA Welcome America Celebration on the 4th of July, 2019, in Philadelphia.Read moreJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer
Members of the The Mattatuck Drum Band participate in the Salute to America Independence Day Parade, at Independence Hall, in Philadelphia, on the 4th of July, 2019.Read moreJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer
Police arrest protestors who interrupted the Independence Day Parade with a message demanding the closure of detention camps at the United States-Mexico border, on the 4th of July 2019 in Philadelphia. The Never Again Action organized the protest with participation from members of Huntos, Abolish ice, and Cosecha.Read moreJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer
Police arrest protestors who interrupted the Independence Day with a message demanding the closure of detention camps at the United States-Mexico border, on the 4th of July 2019 in Philadelphia. The Never Again Action organized the protest with participation from members of Huntos, Abolish ice, and Cosecha.
Protestors interrupt the the Independence Day Parade demanding the closure of detention camps at the United States-Mexico border on the 4th of July 2019. They originally gathered outside the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement office.Read moreJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer
Protestors interrupt the Independence Day Parade with a message demanding the closure of detention camps at the United States-Mexico border, on the 4th of July 2019. They marched from the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Philadelphia and marched to the parade, where they sat down, stopping the progress of the parade, before being arrested.Read moreJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer
In front of the George Washington statue at Independence Hall and the 65-piece Philly Pops orchestra, and hundreds in the audience, Matthew Modzelewski gets down on one knee to propose to Briana Maiden during Wednesday's concert. Their first date was at a Pops concert three years ago. Modzelewski got his now-fiancee on stage under the guise of their winning a raffle for free tickets. Todd Ellison, Pops music director designate, was in on the surprise.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
The audience is reflected in the glass of the Liberty Bell Pavilion (with the bell inside) during the Philly Pops orchestra's traditional Welcome America Fourth of July Eve concert on Independence Mall July 3, 2019.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Rain storms that hit other areas in the region bypassed guests on the rooftop at Cira Green overlooking the Center City skyline July 3, 2019 during the Welcome America Girls.Like.nicethings Pop-Up Art Exhibit. The evening pop-up featured the work of Philadelphia women visual artists, an artist chat, and a musical jam session.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Patti LaBelle makes her way through the crowd in the lobby of the Kimmel Center headed to a reception July 2, 2019, following ceremonies honoring her with the renaming of the block of Broad Street between Spruce and Locust Streets Patti LaBelle Way.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Patti LaBelle holds up a sign after signing it during a celebration July 2, 2019 as the block of Broad Street between Spruce and Locust Streets is renamed Patti LaBelle Way. Patty Jackson (left) of WDAS-FM served as the host for the ceremonies.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
The newly installed sign for Patti LaBelle Way is visible behind them across Broad Street as Little Big Sister Band performs during ceremonies as Patti LaBelle is celebrated with the renaming of the block of Broad Street between Spruce and Locust Streets July 2, 2019.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Uncle Sam, portrayed by Andrew Scharff with the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts strides through the lobby during the Kimmel Center's "Great America Party on the Plaza," a part of the Wawa Welcome America celebration July 2, 2019.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Barbara Guess, 75, of Overbrook, cheers while she waits in line for a free hoagie at the annual Wawa Hoagie Day on the lawn of the National Mall in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 02, 2019. The event is a tradition as part of Wawa Welcome America 2019, a multi-day festival for 4th of July.Read moreHEATHER KHALIFA / Staff Photographer
The U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force compete in a hoagie making competition at the annual Wawa Hoagie Day on the lawn of the National Mall in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 02, 2019. The event is a tradition part of Wawa Welcome America 2019, a multi-day festival for 4th of July.Read moreHEATHER KHALIFA / Staff Photographer
The lawn of the national mall is full of people in line for free hoagies at the annual Wawa Hoagie Day in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 02, 2019. The event is a tradition part of Wawa Welcome America 2019, a multi-day festival for 4th of July.Read moreHEATHER KHALIFA / Staff Photographer
One of Wawa's mascots, called shorti, dances as Wawa employees organize hoagies for Wawa's annual hoagie day, at the National Constitution Center, in Philadelphia, July 2, 2019. The convenience chain will build and give away 32,000 hoagies, 8,000 Shorti Hoagies are going to Philabundance, 2,000 Shorti Hoagies are being distributed to local veterans' centers, and 22,000 Shorti Hoagies are being distributed free to the public at noon on the Independence Visitor Center Lawn.Read moreJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer
(Left to Right) Rob Mitchell, Sherly D'Alfonso, Seth Williams, and Melissa Williams, make hoagies for Wawa's annual hoagie day, during which the convenience chain will build and give away 32,000 hoagies, the hoagie building is taking place at the National Constitution Center, in Philadelphia, July 2, 2019. 8,000 Shorti Hoagies are going to Philabundance, 2,000 Shorti Hoagies are being distributed to local veterans' centers, and 22,000 Shorti Hoagies are being distributed free to the public at noon on the Independence Visitor Center Lawn.Read moreJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer
Lori Ney from Wynnewood with her dog Ava during the playing of the National Anthem being preformed by the U.S. Army Field Band during a concert at Penn's Landing. Monday, July 1, 2019Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer
U.S. Army Field Band concert at Penn's Landing. Monday, July 1, 2019Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer
Getting ready for the U.S. Army Field Band concert at Penn's Landing. Monday, July 1, 2019Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer
The Welcome America Liturgical Dancers open the Gospel on Independence evening on Independence Mall June 30, 2019.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Sisterly Love, three families joined in song, perform during the Gospel on Independence free concert on Independence Mall June 30, 2019.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Cheryl Gunter of Upper Darby listens to performances during the Gospel on Independence free concert on Independence Mall June 30, 2019.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Wojtek Piotrowski (from left) and Kasia and Adam Felinski, tourists from Warsaw, Poland in the U.S. for ten days and in Philadelphia for two, catch the performances of a 100-voice choir made up of singers from churches throughout the region. during the Gospel on Independence evening on Independence Mall June 30, 2019.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Cups, straws and wrappers from free Wawa frozen smoothies and free Tastykake Krimpets are disposed-of during the 5th annual Historic Philadelphia Block Party on Independence Mall June 30, 2019.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Jaylene Frame of Lindenwold, N.J. laughs while doing the "Electric Slide" with friends during the 5th annual Historic Philadelphia Block Party on Independence Mall June 30, 2019.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Spectators watch as street performers with @ProjectPositive, @PhillySurfers, and @whamlife appear during the 5th annual Historic Philadelphia Block Party on Independence Mall June 30, 2019. They were sponsored by Sweethomecare.com.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Seated on the monument to the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (December 15, 1791) Robert Coaxum of Germantown takes video with his smart phone during the 5th annual Historic Philadelphia Block Party on Independence Mall June 30, 2019,Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer
Alvin Fisher, 14, from Lancaster, PA., juggles balls of melting ice cream during the Philly Ice Cream Scoop at Reading Terminal Market in Center City, Philadelphia on Saturday, June 29, 2019. The Fisher Family owns a store in the Reading Terminal Market called " Sweet as Fudge Candy Shop"Read moreANTHONY PEZZOTTI / Staff Photographer
Sweet Charlie's making rolled ice cream during the Philly Ice Cream Scoop at Reading Terminal Market in Center City, Philadelphia on Saturday, June 29, 2019. The Philly Ice Cream Scoop is said to be the largest ice cream festival in the country.Read moreANTHONY PEZZOTTI / Staff Photographer
Nicole Ramirez, 15, with no hands dives head first into a bowl of vanilla ice cream while playing Bassetts Ice Cream Eating Contest during the Philly Ice Cream Scoop at Reading Terminal Market in Center City, Philadelphia on Saturday, June 29, 2019. The Philly Ice Cream Scoop is said to be the largest ice cream festival in the country.Read moreANTHONY PEZZOTTI / Staff Photographer
People cheering each other on playing Dre's Water Ice Shuffle Board Game outside of Reading Terminal Market on Filbert Street. during the Philly Ice Cream Scoop in Center City, Philadelphia on Saturday, June 29, 2019. The Philly Ice Cream Scoop is said to be the largest ice cream festival in the country.Read moreANTHONY PEZZOTTI / Staff Photographer
Most Americans do celebrate the nation’s Independence Day, but the National Retail Federation found in a separate report that total spending on food items is down about 5.5 percent from a high of $7.15 billion in 2017.
Still, Americans seem to be getting into the patriotic spirit. Two-thirds of Northeast Americans own an American flag and say they have themed-apparel, according to the report from the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.
Americans seem to be spending more on Independence Day in the Northeast, too. The retailers group found that this region will spend an average of $78.40 on food, anywhere from about $7 to $12 more per person than the Midwest, West, and South.
