New data suggests Americans are wilꦜling to spend to celebrate Independence Day this year, bu꧃t persistent inflation has handed them their most expensive July Fourth holiday celebration ever.

Total consumer spending this Fourth of July holiday is expected to reach $9.5 billion, up from $7.7 billion in 2022 and $7.5 billion the year before, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual Independence Day consumer survey. The 23% jump in spending is the most growth recorded by the survey—which goes back to 2014.

Household spending on Independence Day celebrations is also expected to increase almost 11% this year to $93.34 on average, up from $84.12 in 2022. The federation’s projections for spending come as 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:inflation cooled somewhat to 4% in May, down from the 9.1% more year-over-year consumers were paying for goods and services at its peak in June 2022. 

B🔯arbecues, Fireworks, and Flags Among Top Fourth Priorities

More than 87% of people said they planned to celebrate the Fourth of July, the most since 2018 and an increase over the 84% w♚ho celebrated in 2022 and 2021. The responses hit a low point in 2020 when only 76% planned to celebrate during the first pandemic summer. Independence Day celebrations reached a high point in 2013 when 90% planned celebrations.

To no surprise, the most popular activity for Fourth revelers is a cookout, barbecue, or picnic, with 65% saying they will attend a gathering over the holiday, the most since 2013. The next most popular activity is a fireworks display or community celebration, which 42% said they would attend, with an additional 13% saying they would attend a parade over the holiday. Travel or vacationing will be on the itinerary for 14% of respondents.

It’s hard to celebrate the Fourth of July without a flag or other Star-Spangled🦄 gear, which is why 32% said they planned to pܫurchase patriotic items for the holiday.