It’s that time of year again, to gather with friends and family while celebrating our great nation’s independence. On July 4th, most of us will break out the BBQs, grill up some hot dogs, and wave flags in celebration. We thought it might be fun to give you 5 facts you may not know about one of the nation’s favorite holidays.
#1: John Adams, one of our founders, believed Independence Day should not be July 4th.
You read that right. John Adams felt that Independence Day should be on July 2nd, the day when the Continental Congress voted to approve the Declaration of Independence and truly broke away. But he very accurately predicted the celebrations that have transpired centuries. In a letter to his wife, Abigail, he wrote, “It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”
#2: It’s the biggest hot dog day of the year.
Americans eat enough hot dogs on July 4th to stretch from Los Angeles to New York five times! That’s approximately 155 million franks. During the peak season, Memorial Day to Labor Day, Americans consume approximately 818 hot dogs EVERY SECOND. For a full guide on hot dog eating etiquette, visit the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, where you’ll learn important tips such as “always dress the dog, not the bun.”
#3: Sparklers can reach up to 2,000 degrees.
According to ABC News, Sparklers can range from 1,200 to 2,000 degrees, which is hot enough to melt some metals. “In the spectrum of fireworks dangers, people rarely think of sparklers as a major hazard. But last year around the Fourth of July -- the season with nearly 70 percent of fireworks-related injuries -- 16 percent of reported injuries were caused by sparklers, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission. That's more injuries than were caused by rockets, and trails only the 17 percent caused by firecrackers and the 19 percent caused by unknown devices.”
#4: The Liberty Bell no longer rings, but it is tapped.
“Forever silenced in 1846, the theories of how it came to be are as numerous as there are visitors. But although the bell can no longer ring, its sound will be heard this July 4th as descendants of the signers of the Declaration come together in Philadelphia to let Freedom Ring…and tap the Liberty Bell. Eight children will tap the Liberty Bell 13 times, thus signaling for bells all across the country to commemorate the sacrifices of the Patriots of our 13 original colonies.”
#5: Celebrations were very different then they are today.
According to History.com, some celebrations originally held in 1776 were mock funerals for King George III as a way of symbolizing America’s independence from the tyranny. “Festivities including concerts, bonfires, parades and the firing of cannons and muskets usually accompanied the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence, beginning immediately after its adoption. Philadelphia held the first annual commemoration of independence on July 4, 1777.”
This Independence Day, we wish you and your family a joyous a safe time. Band together with your fellow Americans, enjoy some hot dogs, remember why we’re all so fortunate. We are proud to be an American company serving our customers for over 50 years and in celebration of July 4th our stores will be closed. From our family to yours, Happy 4th of July!
Sources:
Time
hot-dog.org
Abc News
Uwishunu
history.com
Happy 4th: Five Facts You May Not Know
It’s that time of year again, to gather with friends and family while celebrating our great nation’s independence. On July 4th, most of us will break out the BBQs, grill up some hot dogs, and wave flags in celebration. We thought it might be fun to give you 5 facts you may not know about one of the nation’s favorite holidays.
#1: John Adams, one of our founders, believed Independence Day should not be July 4th.
You read that right. John Adams felt that Independence Day should be on July 2nd, the day when the Continental Congress voted to approve the Declaration of Independence and truly broke away. But he very accurately predicted the celebrations that have transpired centuries. In a letter to his wife, Abigail, he wrote, “It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”
#2: It’s the biggest hot dog day of the year.
Americans eat enough hot dogs on July 4th to stretch from Los Angeles to New York five times! That’s approximately 155 million franks. During the peak season, Memorial Day to Labor Day, Americans consume approximately 818 hot dogs EVERY SECOND. For a full guide on hot dog eating etiquette, visit the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, where you’ll learn important tips such as “always dress the dog, not the bun.”
#3: Sparklers can reach up to 2,000 degrees.
According to ABC News, Sparklers can range from 1,200 to 2,000 degrees, which is hot enough to melt some metals. “In the spectrum of fireworks dangers, people rarely think of sparklers as a major hazard. But last year around the Fourth of July -- the season with nearly 70 percent of fireworks-related injuries -- 16 percent of reported injuries were caused by sparklers, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission. That's more injuries than were caused by rockets, and trails only the 17 percent caused by firecrackers and the 19 percent caused by unknown devices.”
#4: The Liberty Bell no longer rings, but it is tapped.
“Forever silenced in 1846, the theories of how it came to be are as numerous as there are visitors. But although the bell can no longer ring, its sound will be heard this July 4th as descendants of the signers of the Declaration come together in Philadelphia to let Freedom Ring…and tap the Liberty Bell. Eight children will tap the Liberty Bell 13 times, thus signaling for bells all across the country to commemorate the sacrifices of the Patriots of our 13 original colonies.”
#5: Celebrations were very different then they are today.
According to History.com, some celebrations originally held in 1776 were mock funerals for King George III as a way of symbolizing America’s independence from the tyranny. “Festivities including concerts, bonfires, parades and the firing of cannons and muskets usually accompanied the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence, beginning immediately after its adoption. Philadelphia held the first annual commemoration of independence on July 4, 1777.”
This Independence Day, we wish you and your family a joyous a safe time. Band together with your fellow Americans, enjoy some hot dogs, remember why we’re all so fortunate. We are proud to be an American company serving our customers for over 50 years and in celebration of July 4th our stores will be closed. From our family to yours, Happy 4th of July!
Sources:
Time
hot-dog.org
Abc News
Uwishunu
history.com