The first 4th of July post-pandemic and let’s just say we’re ready to celebrate in a big way! In fact, most of Americans are ready to let loose! The 4th of July weekends is projected to be one of the busiest travel weekends in years. According to AAA, 3.5 million people are expected to take the air and gas is expected to cap out at $5.01.

Whether you plan on traveling or staying close to home, these 4th of July facts are sure to dazzle your party guests.

1) The 50th star was added July 4th, 1960.

While people today debate whether to add an additional star to represent US territory, Puerto Rico, in 1960 the US decided for the final time to add a star to the flag. The final star was added to represent Hawaii.

2) Nathan’s Hotdogs Hotdog eating contest started unofficially 100 years ago

According to the company, Nathan’s Hotdogs, the first unofficial contest took place on July 4th, 1916. The contest, which began with four immigrants competing to determine who was the most patriotic, ended up becoming one of the most widely known July 4th traditions in America. Side note: Americans consume 150 million hotdogs on the 4th of July

3) Only 2 people signed the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July 1776

The rest of the signatures came in the following weeks afterward. Not only would the final total amount of signatures come at a later date, some copies of the Declaration have a woman’s signature. Mary Katharine Goddard wasn’t one of the official signers in 1776, but the printer and publisher added her name to the Declaration of Independence after she was hired by Congress to print copies.

4) It’s a tradition in New England to eat salmon on the 4th of July.

Forget about hotdogs and hamburgers, in the New England region of the US , eating salmon and peas on Independence Day is a New England practice that dates back centuries. Many swear by the recipe, and have made it a staple for the American holiday. Will you swap out your burgers and dogs for some seafood?