4th of July, 2012 - a good day for our economy

US News/Business/Meg Handley, 7/3/12.   "4th of July by the Numbers.  Fireworks and flaming grills are in high demand this Independence Day"

4th beach party?

"Sure it's one of our nation's most important and historic events, but Independence Day is also a day of eating, drinking, and, of course, blowing up stuff.  Amateur pyros shelled out a smoking $649 million for their own personal fireworks shows last year, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association, and Executive Director Julie Heckman only expects that figure to grow this year.

"We have found during the tough economic climate, the industry has not only survived, it's thriving," she says, also crediting the relaxation of many states' consumer fireworks laws for increased revenue. 

And let's not forget the all-important Independence Day cookout—160 million Americans will be firing up 40 million grills, cranking out millions of hot dogs, brats, veggie burgers, and…tofu kabobs?"  Read Article, including where millions of dollars are spent just having a good time.  

Related - The Christian Science Monitor/Amy Deline, 6/29/12. "Happy Birthday America!" cake recipe.

Posted by Kathy Meeh