The field has shifted this year as Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, the reigning champion of the contest, will not participate in Thursday’s event after signing a deal with a rival brand.

Instead, Chestnut will take his hot dog-downing talents to an army base in Texas for America’s Independence Day. Chestnut, of Indiana, will compete against soldiers in Fort Bliss, in El Paso, in a 5-minute hot dog eating contest. In 2021, Chestnut set the current record of 76 hot dogs, in 10 minutes.

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With Chestnut out, those vying for second place in Brooklyn in the past might have renewed hope to chomp their way to victory this year.

Last year’s second-place winner was Geoffrey Esper from Oxford, Massachusetts, who downed 49 dogs to Chestnut’s 62. Third place went to Australia’s James Webb with 47.

Miki Sudo, of Tampa, Florida, holds the women’s record of 48.5 in 10 minutes. Miki won her ninth title at the Nathan’s Famous contest last year with 39.5 hot dogs and buns eaten.

Contestants hail from 13 states and several countries.

HOW TO WATCH

If you can’t make it to Coney Island, ESPN will be airing and streaming the competition. Coverage of the women’s competition begins at 10:45 a.m. ET on ESPN3. The men’s competition airs at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN2, with re-airs at 5 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.

LIST OF PLAYERS BASED IN U.S.

Here are the names for contestants based in the U.S. (there are additional contestants based in other countries).

Men:

• Nicholas Wehry
• Gideon Oji
• Patrick Bertoletti
• Geoffrey Esper
• Derek “Heavy D” Hendrickson
• George Chiger
• Sean Yeager
• William Claude Lyon IV

Women:

• Michelle “Cardboard Shell” Lesco
• Tandra Childress
• Crystal “Crystal Pistol” Ocampo
• Elizabeth “Glizzy Lizzy” Salgado
• Miki Sudo
• Ellen Straub
• Julie Goldberg
• Cherish Brown
• Larell Marie Mele
• Jocelyn Young
• Rubianne Garcia
• Katie Prettyman

States included in the list above are:

• Arizona
• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• Nevada
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Washington

Here is your guide to when the FREE music will begin and when you should look up to the sky for the fireworks finale.

What time do the Philadelphia July 4th concert and fireworks start?

The main concert featuring NE-YO and Kesha is set to begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

The concert will be followed by Philadelphia’s largest annual fireworks display above the Philadelphia Museum of Art starting around 9:30 p.m. 

Gates open at 4 p.m., Wawa Welcome America said.

“The main entrance is located at Logan Circle at 20th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway,” WWA said. “If you have a ticket for the front section, you must enter at 22nd St. & Pennsylvania Ave. OR 22nd & Winter Sts.”

All partygoers are subject to search. Go to the festival FAQ section for a full list of what is and isn’t allowed inside festival grounds.

Hey Philly! Planning on coming to see @NeYoCompound and @KeshaRose on July 4th? Let's get you ready!! Learn more: https://t.co/MOvZ32nU9V pic.twitter.com/zFZhyOBCZL

— Wawa Welcome America (@July4thPhilly) July 2, 2024

However, show up early to Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway for performances from Delaware Valley favorites DJ Diamond Kuts and Snacktime on the Pennsylvania Lottery Groove Stage from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., according to festival organizers.

(All times are weather permitting and subject to be adjusted)

Do I need a ticket to see the free concert?

“Tickets are NOT required to attend this event,” WWA said. “Tickets are required for the front section.”

There have been several chances throughout the festival and before to get those coveted up-close spots.

How can I get to the Wawa Welcome America concert, fireworks?

If you drive, expect to have trouble finding parking anywhere near the parkway, so SEPTA could be the way to go.

“The Ben Franklin Parkway is best accessed from Regional Rail’s Suburban Station, the 15th Street Market-Frankford Line [L] Station and Race-Vine or City Hall Broad Street Line [B] Station,” SEPTA said.

The public transit agency has added extra regional rail trains and express trains on its Broad Street and Market-Frankford subway lines. Click here for your full guide to SEPTA on July 4th.

Where can I stream Wawa Welcome America’s fireworks show and concert?

Thankfully NBC10 has you covered at home or on the go.

The entire event will be televised live during primetime in its entirety on NBC10 and Cozi TV & simulcasted from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4th on NBC Sports Philadelphia+.

The free concert will also be livestreamed on the NBC10 Philadelphia News channel on Peacock, Roku, Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Fire TV, Pluto and Xumo Play as well as NBC10.com. The concert will be streamed in Spanish on Telemundo62.com.

What if I missed it? Can I stream the shows again?

Of course, you can catch replays on NBC10’s streaming channels and on NBC10.com. Keep an eye out after the final firework shines.

Millions of Americans are preparing to get out of town sometime in the coming holiday week. That will likely mean busy roads, as well as airports and train stations.

Motor club AAA projects that some 70.9 million travelers will head 50 miles (80 kilometers) or more from their homes over a nine-day Independence Day travel period — surpassing pre-pandemic numbers for the U.S. holiday. And the Transportation Security Administration expects to screen over 32 million individuals in airports from this Thursday through July 8, up 5.4% from last year’s numbers.

Are you traveling for the Fourth? Here's a rundown of what you need to know.

When is the best time to hit the road for July Fourth?

Smooth sailing for travel around any holiday is never a given. But avoiding the most hectic times, when others are rushing out of town, is a good way to start.

If you're traveling by car for the Fourth of July, it's best to hit the road in the morning, according to transportation data and insights provider INRIX. Peak traffic congestion varies by location, INRIX data published by AAA shows, but the worst times to drive on, or leading up to, the holiday are generally between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Either way, be prepared for the roads to be jammed.

“Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal," Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said in a prepared statement.

July Fourth falls on a Thursday this year, and many travelers will likely take Friday July 5th off to extend their trip into a four-day weekend. Drivers in large metro areas can expect the biggest delays on Wednesday July 3 and Sunday July 7 — as travelers leave and return to town, Pishue added.

And if you're renting a car ahead of July Fourth, the busiest pickup days will be Friday, Saturday and Wednesday before the holiday, AAA notes.

When will airports be busiest?

Airports will also likely be packed all week long — but the TSA expects most people will take to the skies on Friday.

It anticipates that it will screen more than 3 million individuals Friday. That would surpass the agency's current record for most people screened on a single day, which reached just under 3 million last Sunday.

“We expect this summer to be our busiest ever," TSA Administrator David Pekoske said, adding that travel typical peaks around Independence Day.

Last year, the busiest day for Fourth of July air travel was also the Friday ahead of the holiday, TSA data shows. If past trends hold, travel will likely be higher on the days before and after the Fourth — particularly closer to the weekend. In 2023, for example, more than 2 million people were screened on the Fourth, which landed on a Tuesday last year, down from 2.88 million the Friday before.

What should I do if my flight is delayed or canceled?

Flights can be delayed or canceled for an array of reasons — from plane-specific mechanical problems to major storms impacting popular travel paths.

If your flight is canceled, airlines required to provide refunds for customers, even if the cancellation is due to weather. Delays are trickier, because they typically have to meet certain criteria for relief, such as refunds or compensation — but carriers will often give customers to chance to switch to alternative flights, if available, at no cost.

In April, the Biden administration issued final rules that include requiring airlines to provide automatic cash refunds within a few days for canceled flights and “significant” delays. Those rules are set to take effect over the next two years, but the Department of Transportation has a site that lets consumers see the commitments each airline has made for refunds and covering other expenses when flights are canceled or significantly delayed.

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Always check your itinerary before leaving home

It’s better to be stuck at home than locked in hourslong traffic or stranded in an airport terminal. Before heading out the door this holiday week, do yourself a favor and check the status of your travel plans.

Was your flight, train or bus ride delayed? Are there are traffic incidents set to disrupt your drive? And what about the weather? A quick look through your itinerary — such as trip updates on a carrier's website — checking weather forecasts and monitoring traffic safety through services like the 511 hotline or your phone's navigation apps can go a long way toward avoiding travel misery.

Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:

• Leave early: There are more people everywhere during a holiday week, so lines will be longer and roads will be busier. Give yourself more time to get to your destination or to make your way through airport security.

• Keep an eye on the weather — and not just for your destination: Look at the weather for your entire travel path. Even if it's sunny skies both at home and the place you're headed, it's important to keep an eye out for any storms in between. You may need to do some rerouting.

• Be kind: A trip delay or cancellation can be really frustrating — but if you're running into disruptions, chances are others are too. Customer service agents have a lot on their plate at this time of year, and it's important to be patient and respectful as they try to help you.

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Lainey Wilson, Luis Fonsi, Tanner Adell and the War and Treaty will perform during the live two-hour event.

Country singer Mickey Guyton will co-host the special along with “Access Hollywood’s” Zuri Hall.

“Year after year, this telecast never fails to inspire and awe, lighting up the New York skyline with a fireworks display that’s unmatched,” said Jen Neal, executive vice president of live events and specials, NBCU Entertainment, in a press release.

Read on to learn more about the 48th annual “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks” special.

Who will perform during the ‘Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks’ special?

Lainey Wilson, Luis Fonsi, Tanner Adell and the War and Treaty will all perform during the special.

A 25-minute score featuring Amber Mark, Brandy Clark and Mickey Guyton will celebrate “summertime classics.”

The score, produced by Grammy and Emmy Award winner Jason Howland, will “reimagine and remix iconic American tunes across a variety of genres and decades, interweaving patriotic anthems with contemporary hits,” according to NBC’s release.

Who will host the ‘Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks’ special?

Guyton will co-host the event along with “Access Hollywood’s” Zuri Hall.

How to watch the ‘Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks’ special

The two-hour special will air live from 8 p.m.-10 p.m. ET/PT on Thursday, July 4, on NBC and Peacock. An encore presentation will air at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. (Peacock is owned by TODAY.com’s parent company, NBCUniversal.)

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

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• 38 Fourth of July drink recipes for patriotic parties
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The popular doughnut chain announced a doughnut giveaway on America’s birthday this year, along with a collection of new doughnut flavors perfect for anyone celebrating the red, white and blue this summer.

Here’s what to know:

How can you get a free doughnut at Krispy Kreme this 4th of July?

Krispy Kreme is offering a free glazed doughnut to anyone who shows up to one of their participating locations dressed in red, white and blue this Fourth of July.

You can find store locations here.

The chain is limiting the deal to one doughnut per customer.

What doughnut flavors has Krispy Kreme released for the 4th of July?

Krispy Kreme is also rolling out special “Star Spangled Sweetness” themed doughnuts that will surely liven up any Independence Day party.

Here is what is available now through the Fourth of July:

Freedom Flag doughnut: A glazed doughnut with white icing and red icing stripes, along with blue and gold sprinkles.

Cotton Candy Sparkler doughnut: A glazed doughnut with blue icing and cotton candy sugar, along with white and red buttercreme dollops.

Firework Cookies & Kreme Filled doughnut: An unglazed doughnut filled with their popular Cookies & Kreme filling, topped with red icing and decorated with a blue icing swirl and rocket candy piece.

Chocolate Iced with Patriotic Sprinkles doughnut: A glazed doughnut dipped in chocolate icing and topped with patriotic sprinkles.

Major League Eating released a statement Tuesday that read in part, “We are devastated to learn that Joey Chestnut has chosen to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs rather than competing in the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest.”

“MLE and Nathan’s went to great lengths in recent months to accommodate Joey and his management team, agreeing to the appearance fee and allowing Joey to compete in a rival unbranded hot dog eating contest on Labor Day,” the statement read. “For nearly two decades we have worked under the same basic hot dog exclusivity provisions. However, it seems that Joey and his managers have prioritized a new partnership with a different hot dog brand over our long-time relationship.”

When asked if Chestnut was banned from the event, Major League Eating President Richard Shea said he was not.

“There is no ban,” Shea told NBC News. “Major League Eating wants him there. The fans want him there. Nathan’s wants him there.”

Shea said the dispute came down to exclusivity, not money.

“It would be like Michael Jordan saying to Nike, ‘I’m going to represent Adidas, too,’” Shea said.

Hours later, Chestnut took to social media to reply to Major League Eating not allowing him to compete due to his deal with Impossible Foods, saying he was “gutted” by the decision that he learned from media reports.

“I love competing in that event, I love celebrating America with my fans all over this great country on the 4th and I have been training to defend my title,” the champion competitive eater said as part of a thread on X. “To set the record straight, I do not have a contract with MLE or Nathans and they are looking to change the rules from past years as it relates to other partners I can work with. This is apparently the basis on which I’m being banned, and it doesn’t impact the July 4th event.”

He also thanked his fans and said he would be competing again soon.

“Sadly, this is the decision Nathan’s and Major League Eating are making, and it will deprive the great fans of the holiday’s usual joy and entertainment,” the post on X read.

For their part, Impossible Foods said in a statement “we love Joey and support him in any contest he chooses. It’s OK to experiment with a new dog. Meat eaters shouldn’t have to be exclusive to just one wiener.”

In May, the company announced an ad campaign aimed at engaging meat-eaters who want to supplement their diet with more plant-based proteins, even if they don’t want to give up meat entirely.

Chestnut is a 16-time winner of the annual Fourth of July contest, a record, and notched his most recent win last year.

His best finish was in 2021.

“Joey Chestnut is an American hero. We would love nothing more than to have him at the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, which he has dominated for years. We hope that he returns when he is not representing a rival brand,” read the statement from Major League Eating.

The annual Fourth of July contest is held at the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues on Coney Island, where competitors battle it out to see who can consume the most hot dogs (and buns) within a 10-minute span.

Here’s everything to know about the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest:

How much money does the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest winner make?

Eating all of those hot dogs comes with a price, but the best finishers receive money — and a WWE-esque championship belt — for their efforts.

The total prize pool typically is $40,000, so here’s how that purse is usually allocated among the top five eaters: 

• First place: $10,000
• Second place: $5,000
• Third place: $2,500
• Fourth place: $1,500
• Fifth place: $1,000

What is the record for hot dogs eaten in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?

The world record for hot dogs eaten in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is 76, which was set by Joey Chestnut in 2021. The 39-year-old topped the old record of 75 in 2020, which he set himself. In 2018, Chestnut consumed 74 hot dogs, another record at the time. He’s the No. 1-ranked eater in the world for a reason.

How many times has Joey Chestnut won the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?

Chestnut made it 16 total wins in the contest after winning in 2023. It’s the most of any competitor in the competition.

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Police and firefighters responding to a report of an illegal fireworks accident Tuesday night at a Big Island parking lot found a man lying on the ground with a head injury. Police identified him as Glen John Nakata, 20, of Kailua-Kona.

“Bystanders stated they saw Nakata holding a fireworks launcher above his head when a firework went off, sending the young man to the ground,” the Hawaii Police Department said.

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He was taken to a hospital where he died. An autopsy will determine the exact cause of death.

It’s unclear what kind of fireworks he was handling.

The illegal use of fireworks is an ongoing issue in Hawaii. Last month, Gov. Josh Green signed legislation creating a task force to stop the importation of illegal fireworks and promote compliance with state fireworks laws. The measure noted that the use of illegal fireworks has caused deaths, injuries, brush fires and structural fires.

“She would not have worried about it touching the floor or violating any codes,” says Lisa Moulder, director of the Ross House. “The flag did not have any kind of special symbolism.”

Flags proliferate every July 4. But unlike the right to assemble or trial by jury, their role was not prescribed by the founders. They would have been rare during early Independence Day celebrations. Only in the mid-19th century does the U.S. flag become a permanent fixture at the White House, scholars believe; only in the mid-20th century was a federal code established for how it should be handled and displayed; only in the 1960s did Congress pass a law making it illegal to “knowingly” cast “contempt” on the flag.

The flag’s evolution into sacred national symbol, and the ongoing debates around it that inspire so much passion and anger, reflect the current events of a given moment and the country’s transformation from a loose confederation of states into a global superpower.

“The flag was really an afterthought,” says Scot Guenter, author of “The American Flag, 1777-1924” and a professor emeritus of American Studies at San Jose State University. In the beginning, Guenter says, the Continental Congress was more concerned about developing a “Great Seal” because it was needed for papers it would issue.

Congress passed its first flag act on June 14, 1777: “Resolved, that the Flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.” But the flag is otherwise peripheral to the country’s beginnings.

A spokesman for Independence Hall in Philadelphia says no records exist of a U.S. flag being present for the signing of the Constitution in 1787, or any indications that a national flag would have flown during the following decade at what is now called Congress Hall — a decade when Philadelphia was the country’s capital. Researchers at George Washington’s home have no evidence that the flag was displayed there in his lifetime. (Volunteers there now regularly raise and lower U.S. flags, which are sold at the gift shop as having “flown over Mount Vernon”).

According to the White House Historical Association, no precise date exists for when the flag first had a permanent home at the presidential residence. Researchers at the historical association say the best guess is June 29, 1861, early in the Civil War, when President Lincoln dedicated a flagpole on the South Grounds.

The Civil War, followed by the country’s centennial in 1876, helped mythologize the flag. Americans were in the mood for a good story, and William J. Canby, grandson of Betsy Ross, had one. In a speech given to the Pennsylvania Historical Society, Canby drew upon family memories in narrating the quiet, heroic tale of Betsy Ross, who had died little known beyond her immediate community.

“As an example of industry, energy and perseverance, and of humble reliance upon providence, though all the trials, which were not few, of her eventful life, the name of Elizabeth Claypoole (her married name at the time of her death) is worthy of being placed on record for the benefit of those who should be similarly circumstanced,” Canby stated.

The Ross House bills itself as “the birthplace of the American Flag,” but its origins are uncertain. We have no definitive account. Many credit Francis Hopkinson, a congressman from New Jersey, but others, including Ross, may have added details — and, unlike the Declaration of Independence, we have no original artifact. Whether Ross or another produced the first one, its ultimate destination is unknown.

“We think it would have ended up on a ship mast, to signify that it was an American ship,” Moulder says.

Ross’ place in history also remains in question, even among government institutions. An essay entitled “The Legend of Betsy Ross,” on the website for the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, says her tale is “shrouded in as much legend as fact,” with no substantial evidence of her involvement. Says the museum: “While it makes for a nice story, sadly, it is most likely false.”

Ross, who died in 1836, left behind no diary or contemporary accounts of her whereabouts, officials at the Ross House acknowledge. But she was very much a real person who produced various flags before and after the alleged time she was approached by a commission that included George Washington and asked to sew a flag to represent the new country. Officials at the Ross house have no direct proof of Washington contacting Ross in 1776, but they note that a ledger unearthed in 2015 revealed Washington had engaged in business two years earlier with Ross and her husband and fellow upholster, John Ross.

“We know that Washington wanted the Rosses to make bedrooms curtains for his home in Mount Vernon,” Moulder says. “And curtains are the kind of job that Betsy would have taken on.”

As the country grew more nationalized and nationalistic, Ross was added to the early pantheon and the flag’s presence expanded like so much territory across the continent — into state ceremonies and buildings, sporting events, schools and private homes.

In the midst of fierce labor battles and rising fears of immigration, the minister Francis Bellamy composed the Pledge of Allegiance in 1892. It was tied to the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ landing but also, as historian Richard White has written, addressed “a time of intense social conflict in an increasingly diverse nation” and was intended ”as a hopeful affirmation of America’s future.”

Throughout the 20th century, regulations were proposed and enacted. The first national flag code was drafted in 1923 and signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II, with recommendations on everything from how to salute the flag to how to carry it. In the mid-1950s, President Dwight Eisenhower endorsed legislation adding “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance, a Cold War action with origins 20 years earlier.

“In the 1930s, you had conservatives arguing that the New Deal represented slavery and that the counterpoint was freedom under God,” says Kevin M. Kruse, a professor of history at Princeton University whose books include “One Nation Under God,” published in 2015. “So there was a corporate-fueled drive against the regulatory state and it takes on religious tones. In the 1950s, that gets appropriated by the anti-communists.”

Burning American flags dates back at least to the Civil War. But only in July 1968, in response to Vietnam War protesters, did Congress pass legislation making it illegal (the Supreme Court overturned the ban in 1989) and adding other restrictions against “publicly mutilating” the flag. Three months later, the radical activist Abbie Hoffman was arrested for wearing a Stars and Stripes shirt, charges later dropped on appeal.

“He showed up in the shirt for a meeting of the House Committee on Un-American Activities,” says Mark Kurlansky, author of “1968: The Year That Rocked the World,” a social history. “He just thought it would be funny.”

Last month, the Biden administration hosted a Pride Day gathering on the White House South Lawn and hung a Pride Progress flag between U.S. flags on the Truman balcony. Rep. Mike Collins, a Georgia Republican, denounced the prominence of an “alphabet cult battle flag.” Other Republicans alleged that Biden officials had broken federal regulations, which call for the American flag to be “at the center and at the highest point” when grouped with other flags. Defenders of Biden noted that a U.S. flag was flying above from atop the White House.

“The flag is so important because it helps define what we believe in. You have Democrats and Republicans trying to attach meaning to it,” Guenter says. “The flag can intersect with issues of gender and race and sexuality. There’s so much there to think about, and it reveals so much about who we are.”

In Boston, people dodged raindrops to nab a coveted space on the grassy oval in front of the Hatch Shell along the Charles River ahead of the traditional Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. Hundreds of thousands of partygoers typically line both sides of the river for the fireworks spectacular that follows a concert.

At another longstanding celebration, fans of competitive eating crowded to watch Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest held in the Coney Island section of New York City.

In many states, weather factored into events.

The 10-kilometer Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race that typically draws thousands of runners in humid summer weather was cut short due to possible thunderstorms.

Farther norther, storms were possible from the Dakotas and Minnesota south through Kansas and Missouri, endangering cookouts and fireworks shows. Hail the size of ping pong balls was reported in southeastern South Dakota.

The fireworks show in Yankton, South Dakota, was postponed until Wednesday night because lightning prevented crews from setting up the display. In Nebraska, the Omaha Symphony’s Independence Day Celebration that includes a concert and fireworks shows were also postponed until Wednesday night.

New Orleans residents welcomed rain and slightly cooler conditions after days of heat and humidity baked the city. The General Roy S. Kelley fireboat was returning to New Orleans Riverfront for a patriotic water show, sending streams of red, white, and blue water into the air.

While the holiday put a spotlight on how Americans carry different views of patriotism, many people embraced the holiday with whimsy and a sense of community.

In Hannibal, Missouri, the hometown of Mark Twain, the Fourth of July weekend coincides with National Tom Sawyer Days. Fence-painting and frog-jumping contests were held.

Altoona, Iowa, dubbed its celebration “CORNival.” In addition to the nod to America’s birthday, the festival marks the 100th anniversary of the first acre of commercial hybrid seed corn, grown and harvested in Altoona in 1923. Twenty 6-foot-high fiberglass corn cob statutes decorated by local artists were being unveiled and will later be placed around the town of 21,000 residents.

And in the east Tennessee city of Gatlinburg held its annual Independence Day midnight parade early Tuesday. George Hawkins, who created the parade, died Saturday, news outlets reported.

Running events were a feature of many celebrations.

In Lexington, Kentucky, about 2,000 people ran through the city’s downtown, Stephanie Thurman told WKYT-TV that the race had been on her bucket list. “I started these races here in 2019; I turned 50. That was one of the things on my bucket list, so I did that, and ever since then, I was bit by the bug,”

With fireworks came some accidents.

A fireworks explosion Monday in western Michigan killed one woman and left nine other people with injuries ranging from critical to minor, the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department said.

Also Monday, improperly disposed of fireworks tossed into a bin started a blaze that destroyed two homes in Parker, a town just southeast of Denver, according to fire officials, officials said.

Some cities were eschewing firework displays for shows in which drones fitted with lights are coded to create massive, moving shapes in the sky. Lake Tahoe, California, Salt Lake City, and Boulder along with a few other Colorado towns, have opted for the the aerial spectacles that can display an expansive American flag and the year 1776 in red, white and blue. Avoiding explosive fireworks limits the danger of fires in states already devastated by massive burns.

The Chicago suburb of Highland Park, where a shooting at least year’s Fourth of July parade left seven people dead, also held a drone show to avoid the startling noise of fireworks.

Gun violence also marred some of the celebratory atmosphere, as shootings left five dead in Philadelphia and three dead in Texas.

Chestnut out ate runner-up Geoffrey Esper and the rest of an international field of 15 competitive eaters by double digits to clinch his 16th title. Esper, of Oxford, Massachusetts managed to ingest 49 hot dogs and buns.

In the women’s contest, defending champion Miki Sudo forced down 39 1/2 hot dogs and buns to collect her ninth Mustard Belt. But before the men could compete, stormy weather moved over Coney Island and delayed the competition for two hours.

Around the time officials initially delayed the hot dog eating contest, there were reports of a possible lightning strike at the beach. Fire department officials say first responders transported someone to a local hospital to be treated for electrocution. The FDNY later said the person was in the vicinity of the lightning strike and was transported as a precaution.

“What a roller coaster, emotionally,” Chestnut said after riding out the rain and wondering whether the famed contest would go on at all. The 39-year-old from Westfield, Indiana first competed for the Nathan’s title in 2005 and hasn’t lost it since 2015.

His best finish was in 2021 when he tallied 76 hot dogs, but Tuesday’s weather disruption made a repeat impossible.

“Everybody got messed up,” Chestnut said.

Sudo beat Mayoi Ebihara’s 33 1/2 hot dogs in 10 minutes in a women’s event that appeared to be much closer until the final count was announced. The unofficial real-time counter showed the two leaders tied throughout much of the competition. A final count of plates settled the score.

Sudo, 37, was disappointed in her winning total, which was nine hot dogs short of her all-time high. She said competition from the 27-year-old Ebihara had thrown her off.

“The first couple minutes, I found myself watching her, which I never want to do. I never want to be distracted by the other competitors,” Sudo, of Port Richey, Florida, said after the competition. “Watching her, I fumbled my hands. I got stuck with a big burp early on but was able to correct.”

The annual Fourth-of-July contest is held at the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues on Coney Island, where competitors battle it out to see who can consume the most hot dogs (and buns) within a 10-minute span.

Here’s everything to know about the 2023 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest:

How much money does the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest winner make?

Eating all of those hot dogs comes with a price, but the best finishers receive money — and a WWE-esque championship belt — for their efforts.

The total prize pool typically is $40,000, so here’s how that purse is usually allocated among the top-five eaters: 

• First place: $10,000
• Second place: $5,000
• Third place: $2,500
• Fourth place: $1,500
• Fifth place: $1,000

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What is the record for hot dogs eaten in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?

The world record for hot dogs eaten in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is 76, which was set by Joey Chestnut in 2021. The 39-year-old topped the old record of 75 in 2020, which he set himself. In 2018, Chestnut consumed 74 hot dogs, another record at the time. He’s the No. 1-ranked eater in the world for a reason, and he’ll look to go even higher in 2023.

How many times has Joey Chestnut won the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?

Chestnut made it 15 total wins in the contest after winning in 2022. It’s the most of any competitor in the competition. He ate 63 hot dogs to seal the win, 20 more than second-place finisher Geoffrey Esper.

Chestnut claimed his first victory in 2007 over then-six-time defending champ Takeru Kobayashi. Since then, his only loss came in 2015 against Matt Stonie. Stonie ate two more hot dogs than Chestnut (62 to 60) to break the eight-year streak. Chestnut’s lowest margin of victory is 10, which came against Carmen Cincotti in 2017.

How many times has Miki Sudo won the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?

Sudo is the top-ranked female eater and No. 3 in the world. The 38-year-old has won all eight times she has competed.

The women’s edition began in 2011, with Sonya Thomas claiming the first three wins. In 2014, Sudo took over and won every time until 2021, when Michelle Lesco claimed the belt. But that was because Sudo missed out on the competition due to her pregnancy.

Sudo then returned to the fold in 2022 and won by eating 40 hot dogs. She also set the record for the most eaten on the women’s side with 48 1/2 in 2020.

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The field has shifted this year as Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, the reigning champion of the contest, will not participate in Thursday’s event after signing a deal with a rival brand.

Instead, Chestnut will take his hot dog-downing talents to an army base in Texas for America’s Independence Day. Chestnut, of Indiana, will compete against soldiers in Fort Bliss, in El Paso, in a 5-minute hot dog eating contest. In 2021, Chestnut set the current record of 76 hot dogs, in 10 minutes.

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With Chestnut out, those vying for second place in Brooklyn in the past might have renewed hope to chomp their way to victory this year.

Last year’s second-place winner was Geoffrey Esper from Oxford, Massachusetts, who downed 49 dogs to Chestnut’s 62. Third place went to Australia’s James Webb with 47.

Miki Sudo, of Tampa, Florida, holds the women’s record of 48.5 in 10 minutes. Miki won her ninth title at the Nathan’s Famous contest last year with 39.5 hot dogs and buns eaten.

Contestants hail from 13 states and several countries.

HOW TO WATCH

If you can’t make it to Coney Island, ESPN will be airing and streaming the competition. Coverage of the women’s competition begins at 10:45 a.m. ET on ESPN3. The men’s competition airs at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN2, with re-airs at 5 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.

LIST OF PLAYERS BASED IN U.S.

Here are the names for contestants based in the U.S. (there are additional contestants based in other countries).

Men:

• Nicholas Wehry
• Gideon Oji
• Patrick Bertoletti
• Geoffrey Esper
• Derek “Heavy D” Hendrickson
• George Chiger
• Sean Yeager
• William Claude Lyon IV

Women:

• Michelle “Cardboard Shell” Lesco
• Tandra Childress
• Crystal “Crystal Pistol” Ocampo
• Elizabeth “Glizzy Lizzy” Salgado
• Miki Sudo
• Ellen Straub
• Julie Goldberg
• Cherish Brown
• Larell Marie Mele
• Jocelyn Young
• Rubianne Garcia
• Katie Prettyman

States included in the list above are:

• Arizona
• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• Nevada
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Washington

After all, it’s America’s big birthday and she’s blowing out 247 candles this year. That’s one epic cake if we do say so ourselves.

Whatever plans you’ve got on the docket to celebrate Independence Day this year, you might may be wondering what’s going to be open and closed on July Fourth.

It’s a great question considering the Fourth of July is one of 11 federal holidays observed annually, along with New Year’s, MLK’s birthday, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

And like the other federal holidays, banks and post offices will be closed in observance of Independence Day.

If you’ve got the day off from work, you might be celebrating by spending the day at the beach or taking the family out to dinner. Or perhaps you’re in the mood for a bit of shopping. In which case, you might be curious to know which stores are open on the Fourth of July.

To help, we’ve rounded up a list of merchants staying open for business. Because who wants to spend the day tracking down store hours when there are so many other fun things to do on the Fourth of July? Exactly.

So, read on to find out if your favorites are open or not.

Retail stores open on the 4th of July

• Academy Sports + Outdoors: Stores are open during normal business hours, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Find local hours here.
• Ace Hardware: Stores are independently owned and operated. Opening and closings vary by location. Find local hours here.
• Apple: Stores open at regular time with a majority closing early in observance of the holiday. Find local hours here.
• Barnes & Noble: Stores are open on the Fourth of July, but customers are advised to check the website for holiday hours. Find local hours here.
• Belk: Stores are open, but hours may vary by location. Find local hours here.
• Best Buy: Most stores are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find local hours here.
• Big Lots: Stores are open during regular hours, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Find local hours here.
• Burlington: Stores open at regular time with many locations closing early. Find local hours here.
• Dick’s Sporting Goods: Stores open at their regular time and most locations close at 7 p.m. Find local hours here.
• Dillards: Stores are open with a majority closing at 6 p.m. Find local hours here.
• Dollar General: Stores are open, but hours may vary by location. Find local hours here.
• Dollar Tree: Most stores are open, but hours may vary by location. Find local hours here.
• Family Dollar: Stores are open, but hours may vary by location. Find local hours here.
• Hobby Lobby: Stores open during normal business hours. Find local hours here.
• HomeGoods: Stores are open, but hours may vary by location. Find local hours here.
• Homesense: Stores are open, but hours may vary by location. Find local hours here.
• IKEA: Stores open at their normal time, but close early at 6 p.m. Find local hours here.
• JOANN Fabric and Craft Store: Stores are open, but close early at 7 p.m. Find local hours here.
• JCPenney: Stores are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Find local hours here.
• Kohls: Stores are open during normal business hours. Find local hours here.
• Lowe’s: Stores are open with normal hours. Find local hours here.
• Macy’s: Stores open at their normal time, but most close early at 7 p.m. Find local hours here.
• Marshalls: Stores are open, but hours may vary by location. Find local hours here.
• Michaels: Stores are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Find local hours here.
• Menards: Stores open at their regular time with a majority closing at 8 p.m. Find local hours here.
• Nordstrom: Stores are open, but hours may vary by location. Find local hours here.
• Nordstrom Rack: Stores are open, but hours may vary by location. Find local hours here.
• Petco: Stores open at their regular time with a majority of locations closing by 7 or 8 p.m. Find local hours here.
• PetSmart: Stores open at 9 a.m. with select locations closing early at 6 p.m. Find local hours here.
• Sephora: Stores are open, but hours may vary by location. Find local hours here.
• Staples: Most stores are open with select locations closing early. Find local hours here.
• The Home Depot: Stores open at normal time, then close early at 8 p.m. Find local hours here.
• T.J. Maxx: Stores are open, but hours may vary by location. Find local hours here.
• Ulta: Stores are open with a majority of locations closing early at 6 p.m. Find local hours here.

Grocery stores open on the 4th of July

• ACME: Stores are open, but customers are encouraged to check with local stores for pharmacy hours. Find local hours here.
• Albertsons: Stores are open with regular hours, but the pharmacy will be closed. Find local store hours here.
• Aldi: All stores close at 4 p.m. Find your local store hours here.
• Big Lots: Stores are open during regular hours. Find local hours here.
• Big Y: Stores are open during normal business hours, but pharmacies are only open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Find local store hours here.
• BJ’s Wholesale Club: Stores are open from 8 a.m to 9 p.m. Gas stations open at their normal time and will close at 7 p.m. Find local store hours here.
• Central Market: Stores are open during regular hours. The pharmacy is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find local hours here.
• Food Lion: Stores are open with during normal business hours. Find local store hours here.
• Fresco y Más: Store locations are open during regular hours. In-store pharmacy hours may be modified. Find local hours here.
• Giant Eagle: Stores are open during normal hours. The pharmacy is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find local hours here.
• Giant Food: Stores are open during regular hours. Find local hours here.
• Hannaford: Stores are open, but customers are encouraged to call local stores for specific hours. Find local hours here.
• Harris Teeter: Stores are open during regular hours. Find local hours here.
• Harveys: Stores are open during regular hours, but in-store pharmacy hours may be modified. Find local hours here.
• H-E-B: Stores are open during regular hours. The pharmacy is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find local hours here.
• Hy-Vee: Stores are open. Find local hours here.
• Jewel-Osco: Stores are open, but customers are encouraged to check with local stores for pharmacy hours.Find local hours here.
• Kroger: Stores are open during regular hours. Find local hours here.
• Market District: Supermarkets are open during regular hours. The pharmacy is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find local hours here.
• Meijer: Stores are open, but hours may vary. Find local hours here.
• Publix: Stores are open with regular hours, but pharmacies will be closed. Find local hours here.
• Safeway: Stores are open, but customers are encouraged to check with local stores for pharmacy hours. Find local hours here.
• Sam’s Club: Stores are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Plus members and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Club members. Find local store hours here.
• Save A Lot: Stores are open, but select locations may have abbreviated hours. Find local hours here.
• Shaw’s: Stores are open during regular hours. Find local hours here.
• ShopRite: Stores are open, but hours may vary by location. Find local hours here.
• Sprouts Farmers Market: Stores are open, but hours may vary location. Find local hours here.
• Stop and Shop: Stores are open during regular hours, but they may vary by location. Find local hours here.
• Target: Stores are open during regular hours, which vary by location. Find local hours here.
• Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s opens at its normal time, but stores will close early at 5 p.m. Find local hours here.
• Tops Friendly Markets: Stores are open during regular hours. Find local hours here.
• The Fresh Market: Stores are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Find local hours here.
• Vons: Stores are open, but customers are encouraged to check with local stores for pharmacy hours. Find local hours here.
• Walmart: Stores are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Find local hours here.
• Wegmans: Stores are open during regular hours. Find local hours here.
• Whole Foods: Stores are open, but hours may be vary or be reduced by location. Find local hours here.
• WinCo Foods: Stores are open during regular hours. Find local hours here.
• Winn-Dixie: Stores are open during regular hours. In-store pharmacy hours may be modified. Find local hours here.

Convenience stores open on the 4th of July

• Casey’s: Stores are open with normal business hours. Find local hours here.
• Certified Oil: Stores are open with normal business hours. Find local hours here.
• Cumberland Farms: Stores are open with normal business hours. Find local hours here.
• CVS: A majority of pharmacies are open. Customers are encouraged to call ahead or check local store hours here.
• Duane Reade: Stores are open with normal hours. Check local store hours here.
• GetGo: Stores are open with normal business hours. Check local hours here.
• Kwik Shop: Stores are open with normal business hours. Find local hours here.
• Loaf ‘N Jug: Stores are open with normal business hours. Find local hours here.
• Minit Mart: Stores are open with normal business hours. Find local hours here.
• Quik Stop: Stores are open with normal business hours. Find local hours here.
• Rite Aid: Stores are open with normal business hours, but some may be closed or have reduced hours. Find local hours here.
• Sprint: Stores are open with normal business hours. Find local hours here.
• Tom Thumb: Stores are open with normal business hours. Find local hours here.
• Turkey Hill: Stores are open with normal business hours. Find local hours here.
• Walgreens: Stores are open with normal business hours. For patient needs, 24-hour Walgreens pharmacies will be open and select non-24 hour pharmacies will be open with modified hours. Find local hours here.
• Wawa: Stores are open, but select stores may have modified hours. Find local hours here.
• 7-Eleven: Stores are open, but hours may vary by location. Find local hours here.

Stores closed on July 4th

• Costco

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The firework was one of many commercial-grade fireworks possessed by the 58-year-old man at a Sunday night gathering in Cary, the Lake County sheriff’s office said.

“He lit a firework, which did not detonate as expected,” the sheriff’s office said. “The man looked into the tube housing the firework and it discharged, striking his face and then exploding.”

The man, whose name was not released, was in critical condition at a hospital.

Other fireworks were given to a bomb squad for destruction. They typically require a permit to possess and detonate, the sheriff’s office said.

The sheriff’s office said criminal charges are possible.

A record 43.2 million people are expected to travel by car this July 4 holiday, according to AAA, the motoring and leisure travel membership organization.

The good news for those drivers is that gas prices around the country are lower than they were last year.

The national average for a gallon of gas is $3.54 as of July 3, down from $4.81 one year ago, according to AAA.

Last year’s high prices prompted politicians on the state and federal level to call for gas tax holidays.

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Though gas prices are currently still high compared to historical averages, drivers have no plans to cut back on road travel, according to AAA.

That’s as this summer is proving to be a particularly popular travel time. The busier season has not been without complications, including mass flight disruptions leading into the July 4 holiday.

A recent Bankrate survey found 63% of adults plan to take a summer vacation this year, up from 61% last year.

“People want to go somewhere, they want to do something,” said Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate and CreditCards.com. “There’s still a lot of pent-up demand that backed up during the pandemic.”

That demand has helped push categories like airfares and hotels higher this year, Rossman noted.

Bankrate’s survey found 80% of travelers are planning to adjust their plans due to higher prices.

Opting to drive instead of fly was one of the more common changes, according to Rossman, in addition to choosing cheaper accommodations or destinations and traveling for fewer days.

Travelers who are hitting the road by car or other vehicle may also look for ways to cut costs on gas.

1. Be proactive about finding lower prices

Those hitting the road this weekend may want to fill up if they’re passing through the least expensive markets, according to AAA’s recent ranking of the top 10 least expensive markets.

That includes Mississippi, with prices around $2.97 per gallon; Louisiana, $3.08; Alabama, $3.10; Tennessee, $3.10; Arkansas, $3.11; South Carolina, $3.17; Texas, $3.18; Oklahoma, $3.22; Georgia, $3.23; and North Carolina, $3.25.

Drivers everywhere may save by using apps to help them find better gas prices, such as Upside or GasBuddy, according to Rossman.

2. Look for a good gas rewards credit card

Some credit cards may give you up to 5% cash back on gas, according to Rossman. That includes brands such as Chase Freedom Flex and Discover it Cash Back, he said, which are offering that rate between July and September.

Sam’s Club also offers certain cards that will allow consumers to earn money back on gas.

It is also worthwhile to check the perks your existing credit cards may offer, Rossman said.

“You may have a good gas rewards credit card and not even realize it,” Rossman said.

Of note, it is generally best to avoid gas-branded cards, which may come with high 30% annual interest rates and limited discounts on gas purchases, he said.

3. Try stacking discounts

Drivers should also look to stack offers where they can. For example, a credit card may offer 5% cash back on gas, and a gas station app may provide a 10% offer per gallon, Rossman said.

“That’s two ways to save instead of one,” he said.

4. Double-check your car rental coverage

Rental cars are also comparatively cheaper this year, Rossman said.

If you’re thinking of renting a car, be sure to double-check whether your credit card may already offer insurance coverage.

“A lot of times, credit cards have various travel perks built in that people may not even realize they have,” Rossman said, which may also include provisions for trip delays or cancellations as well as lost or delayed luggage.

Such a high number can only mean one thing: the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is returning for a new installment in 2023.

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The annual Fourth-of-July edition will be held from the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues on Coney Island in Brooklyn, N.Y., where competitors will battle it out to see who can consume the most hot dogs (with buns) in a 10-minute span.

Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo, two food-eating legends who have dominated the competition, will be returning to action and defending their titles.

Here’s everything to know about the 2023 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, from how to watch, records and more:

When is the 2023 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?

The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is slated for Tuesday, July 4.

What time does the 2023 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest start?

Coverage of the women’s competition starts at 10:45 a.m. ET. The men’s competition will follow at 12 p.m. ET.

How to watch the 2023 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

The women’s competition will be broadcast on ESPN3, while ESPN2 will air the men’s competition. Both can be streamed on the ESPN app.

How much money does the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest winner make?

Eating all of those hot dogs comes with a price, but the best finishers receive money — and a WWE-esque championship belt — for their efforts.

The total prize pool typically is $40,000, so here’s how that purse is usually allocated among the top-five eaters: 

• First place: $10,000
• Second place: $5,000
• Third place: $2,500
• Fourth place: $1,500
• Fifth place: $1,000

What is the record for hot dogs eaten in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?

The world record for hot dogs eaten in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is 76, which was set by Joey Chestnut in 2021. The 39-year-old topped the old record of 75 in 2020, which he set himself. In 2018, Chestnut consumed 74 hot dogs, another record at the time. He’s the No. 1-ranked eater in the world for a reason, and he’ll look to go even higher in 2023.

How many times has Joey Chestnut won the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?

Chestnut made it 15 total wins in the contest after winning in 2022. It’s the most of any competitor in the competition. He ate 63 hot dogs to seal the win, 20 more than second-place finisher Geoffrey Esper.

Chestnut claimed his first victory in 2007 over then-six-time defending champ Takeru Kobayashi. Since then, his only loss came in 2015 against Matt Stonie. Stonie ate two more hot dogs than Chestnut (62 to 60) to break the eight-year streak. Chestnut’s lowest margin of victory is 10, which came against Carmen Cincotti in 2017.

How many times has Miki Sudo won the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?

Sudo is the top-ranked female eater and No. 3 in the world. The 38-year-old has won all eight times she has competed.

The women’s edition began in 2011, with Sonya Thomas claiming the first three wins. In 2014, Sudo took over and won every time until 2021, when Michelle Lesco claimed the belt. But that was because Sudo missed out on the competition due to her pregnancy.

Sudo then returned to the fold in 2022 and won by eating 40 hot dogs. She also set the record for the most eaten on the women’s side with 48 1/2 in 2020.

It’s also been a day for some presidents to insert themselves front and center in the fabric of it all.

Teddy Roosevelt drew hundreds of thousands for his July Fourth oratory. In 2019, Donald Trump marshaled tanks, bombers and other war machinery for a celebration that typically avoids military muscle.

Richard Nixon enraged the anti-war masses without even showing up. As the anti-Nixon demonstrations of 1970 showed, Independence Day in the capital isn’t always just fun and games. It has a tradition of red, white and boo, too.

In modern times, though, presidents have tended to stand back and let the people party.

George W. Bush had a ceremony welcoming immigrants as new citizens. Barack Obama threw a South Lawn barbecue for troops. Bill Clinton went to the shores of Chesapeake Bay to watch a young bald eagle named Freedom be released to the wild.

In 2021, Joe Biden gathered more than 1,000 people on the White House South Lawn to eat burgers and watch fireworks. That event was noteworthy because such gatherings were unthinkable in the first year of the pandemic. Many wished Biden had not thought of doing it even then — the rampage of the omicron COVID-19 variant was still to come.

Still, the burgers were an improvement from July 4, 1850, when Zachary Taylor wolfed down apparently spoiled cherries and milk (and died five days later. )

A look at what some presidents have done on the Fourth of July:

1777: On the first anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with the Revolutionary War underway, a future president, John Adams, describes a day and night of spontaneous celebration in Philadelphia in a letter to his wife, Abigail. After hours of parading troops, fireworks, bonfires and music, he tells her he strolled alone in the dark.

“I was walking about the streets for a little fresh air and exercise,” he writes, “and was surprised to find the whole city lighting up their candles at the windows. I walked most of the evening, and I think it was the most splendid illumination I ever saw; a few surly houses were dark; but the lights were very universal. Considering the lateness of the design and the suddenness of the execution, I was amazed at the universal joy and alacrity that was discovered, and at the brilliancy and splendour of every part of this joyful exhibition.”

1791: Two years after becoming the first president, George Washington celebrates in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, “with an address, fine cuisine, and walking about town,” says the National Park Service . Philadelphia was the interim capital as the city of Washington was being readied. Lancaster had hosted the Continental Congress for a quick, on-the-run session during the revolution.

1798: Now president, Adams reviews a military parade in Philadelphia as the young nation flexes its muscle.

1801: Thomas Jefferson presides over the first Fourth of July public reception at the White House.

1822: James Monroe hangs out at his farm in Virginia.

1826: Adams, the second president, and Jefferson, the third, both die on this July Fourth.

1831: James Monroe, who was the fifth president, dies on this July Fourth.

1848: James Polk witnesses the laying of the cornerstone of the Washington Monument with Abraham Lincoln, then an Illinois congressman, attending. A military parade follows.

1850: Taylor attends festivities at the grounds of the Washington Monument and falls ill with stomach cramps after eating cherries and drinking iced milk and water. He dies July 9. A theory that someone poisoned him with arsenic was debunked in 1991 when his body was exhumed and tested.

1861: Lincoln sends a message to Congress defending his invocation of war powers, appealing for more troops to fight the South and assailing Virginia for allowing “this giant insurrection to make its nest within her borders.” He vows to “go forward without fear.”

1868: Postwar, Andrew Johnson executes a proclamation granting amnesty to those who fought for the Confederacy.

1902: Teddy Roosevelt speaks to 200,000 people in Pittsburgh.

1914: “Our country, right or wrong,” Woodrow Wilson declares at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

1928: Calvin Coolidge (born July 4, 1872) goes trout fishing in Wisconsin.

1930: Herbert Hoover vacations by the Rapidan River in Virginia.

1934: Franklin Roosevelt is in or near the Bahamas after leaving Annapolis, Maryland, on a monthlong voyage and visit to Hawaii via the Panama Canal. On July 4, the U.S.S. Houston’s log refers to the “fishing party” leaving the ship for part of the day.

1946: With World War II over the year before, Harry Truman relaxes in Maryland’s Catoctin Mountains at Roosevelt’s Shangri-La retreat, later renamed Camp David.

1951: With the U.S. at war in Korea, Truman addresses a huge crowd at the Washington Monument grounds, on the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

1953 and 1957: Dwight Eisenhower = golf.

1968: Lyndon Johnson, who favored his Texas ranch on the holiday, speaks in San Antonio about the lack of independence for the poor, minorities, the ill, people “who must breathe polluted air” and those who live in fear of crime, “despite our Fourth of July rhetoric.”

1970: Nixon, in California, tapes a message that is played to crowds on the National Mall at an “Honor America Day” celebration organized by supporters and hotly protested by anti-war masses and civil rights activists. Tear gas overcomes protesters and celebrants alike, Viet Cong flags mingle with the Stars and Stripes, and demonstrators — some naked — plunge into the Reflecting Pool.

1976: As the United States turns 200, Gerald Ford speaks at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, then Independence Hall, and reviews the armada of tall ships in New York harbor.

1987: Ronald Reagan, at Camp David, makes a straight political statement in his holiday radio address, pitching an economic “bill of rights” and Robert Bork for the Supreme Court. On a Saturday, it served as his weekly radio address, which he and other modern presidents used for their agendas.

2008: Bush, like several presidents before him, hosts a naturalization ceremony. More than 70 people from 30 countries are embraced as new citizens.

2010: Obama brings 1,200 service members to the South Lawn for a barbecue. The father of a July Fourth baby, Malia, he would joke that she always thought the capital fireworks were for her.

2012: Obama combines two Fourth of July traditions — celebrating troops and new citizens — by honoring the naturalization of U.S. military members who came to the country as immigrants.

2017: Trump goes to his golf club, then hosts a White House picnic for military families.

2021: Biden tells a crowd on the South Lawn that “we’re closer than ever to declaring our independence from a deadly virus.” It was the largest event of his presidency since taking office. COVID-19 cases and deaths had dipped to or near record lows at that point but would rebound as the omicron variant spread.

2023: Biden plans to host a barbecue and holiday celebration at the White House for members of the military, veterans and their families.

___

Associated Press writer Darlene Superville contributed to this report.

The field has shifted this year as Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, the reigning champion of the contest, will not participate in Thursday’s event after signing a deal with a rival brand.

Instead, Chestnut will take his hot dog-downing talents to an army base in Texas for America’s Independence Day. Chestnut, of Indiana, will compete against soldiers in Fort Bliss, in El Paso, in a 5-minute hot dog eating contest. In 2021, Chestnut set the current record of 76 hot dogs, in 10 minutes.

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With Chestnut out, those vying for second place in Brooklyn in the past might have renewed hope to chomp their way to victory this year.

Last year’s second-place winner was Geoffrey Esper from Oxford, Massachusetts, who downed 49 dogs to Chestnut’s 62. Third place went to Australia’s James Webb with 47.

Miki Sudo, of Tampa, Florida, holds the women’s record of 48.5 in 10 minutes. Miki won her ninth title at the Nathan’s Famous contest last year with 39.5 hot dogs and buns eaten.

Contestants hail from 13 states and several countries.

HOW TO WATCH

If you can’t make it to Coney Island, ESPN will be airing and streaming the competition. Coverage of the women’s competition begins at 10:45 a.m. ET on ESPN3. The men’s competition airs at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN2, with re-airs at 5 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.

LIST OF PLAYERS BASED IN U.S.

Here are the names for contestants based in the U.S. (there are additional contestants based in other countries).

Men:

• Nicholas Wehry
• Gideon Oji
• Patrick Bertoletti
• Geoffrey Esper
• Derek “Heavy D” Hendrickson
• George Chiger
• Sean Yeager
• William Claude Lyon IV

Women:

• Michelle “Cardboard Shell” Lesco
• Tandra Childress
• Crystal “Crystal Pistol” Ocampo
• Elizabeth “Glizzy Lizzy” Salgado
• Miki Sudo
• Ellen Straub
• Julie Goldberg
• Cherish Brown
• Larell Marie Mele
• Jocelyn Young
• Rubianne Garcia
• Katie Prettyman

States included in the list above are:

• Arizona
• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• Nevada
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Washington

Those pyrotechnics also make it an especially dangerous holiday, typically resulting in more than 10,000 trips to the emergency room. Yet fireworks remain at the center of Independence Day, a holiday 247 years in the making.

Here are five things to know about July Fourth, including the origin of the holiday and how fireworks became part of the tradition.

The holiday celebrates the Second Continental Congress’ unanimous adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, a document announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain.

One year later, according to the Library of Congress, a spontaneous celebration in Philadelphia marked the anniversary of American independence.

But across the burgeoning nation, observations didn’t become commonplace until after the War of 1812. It quickly took off: The Library of Congress notes that major historic events in the 19th century, such as groundbreaking ceremonies for the Erie Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, were scheduled to coincide with Fourth of July festivities.

The display of pyrotechnics has been a big part of Independence Day from the outset. Founding Father John Adams saw it coming.

Commemoration of America’s independence “ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more,” Adams wrote in a letter to his wife, Abigail, dated July 3, 1776.

Fireworks were around centuries before America became a nation. The American Pyrotechnics Association says many historians believe fireworks were first developed in the second century B.C. in ancient China by throwing bamboo stalks into fires, causing explosions as the hollow air pockets overheated.

By the 15th century, fireworks were widely used for religious festivals and public entertainment in Europe and early U.S. settlers carried on those traditions, the association said.

Presidents from George Washington to Joe Biden have celebrated the nation’s birth on the Fourth of July, with one exception: Adams.

His letter to his wife aside, Adams refused to celebrate the holiday on July 4 because he felt July 2 was the real Independence Day. Why? It was on July 2, 1776, that the Continental Congress voted in favor of the resolution for independence, though the Declaration of Independence wasn’t formally adopted until two days later.

Adams was so adamant that he turned down invitations to festivals and other events, even while serving as the nation’s second president. Ironically, Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, both died on the 50th anniversary of the document’s formal adoption, July 4, 1826.

Consumer sales of fireworks have grown rapidly over the past two decades.

Statistics from the American Pyrotechnics Association show that in 2000, American consumers spent $407 million on fireworks. By 2022, that figure rose to $2.3 billion. The biggest jump came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when public fireworks displays were shut down. Consumer sales jumped from $1 billion in 2019 to $1.9 billion in 2020.

“People went to the fireworks store beginning Memorial Day weekend and they just didn’t stop,” said Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association. “They were firing off fireworks all of 2020. It shocked the industry, to be quite honest with you.”

Sales are expected to rise another $100 million this year, the association said. It helps that the Fourth of July is on a Tuesday, creating essentially a four-day weekend.

Despite widespread education efforts, thousands of Americans are badly injured by fireworks each year. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that in 2022, 10,200 people were treated at emergency rooms and 11 deaths were blamed on fireworks. About three-quarters of injuries happened in the period around the Fourth of July.

About one-third of the injuries were to the head, face, ears or eyes. Finger, hand and leg injuries are common, too.

“I have seen people who have blown off fingers,” said Dr. Tiffany Osborn, an emergency room physician at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. “I’ve seen people who have lost eyes. I’ve seen people who have significant facial injuries.”

Children under 15 make up nearly one-third of those injured by fireworks. Sparklers often are blamed for burns to children under age 5. Osborn suggested giving small children glow sticks or colorful streamers instead.

For those planning to shoot off fireworks, Heckman urged finding a flat, hard, level surface away from structures and other things that could catch fire. The person responsible for the fireworks should avoid alcohol. Children should never ignite them.

Osborn encouraged having a bucket or hose nearby in case of fire or explosion. Shoot off one at a time and walk away quickly after igniting, she said, and never relight or handle a malfunctioned firework. When done, shovel up the remains and soak them before disposing.

The field has shifted this year as Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, the reigning champion of the contest, will not participate in Thursday’s event after signing a deal with a rival brand.

Instead, Chestnut will take his hot dog-downing talents to an army base in Texas for America’s Independence Day. Chestnut, of Indiana, will compete against soldiers in Fort Bliss, in El Paso, in a 5-minute hot dog eating contest. In 2021, Chestnut set the current record of 76 hot dogs, in 10 minutes.

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Fourth of July Jun 11

Joey Chestnut ‘gutted' he can't compete in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest over rival brand deal

News Jun 11

Nathan's hot dog contest parts ways with champion Joey Chestnut over plant-based frank partnership

With Chestnut out, those vying for second place in Brooklyn in the past might have renewed hope to chomp their way to victory this year.

Last year’s second-place winner was Geoffrey Esper from Oxford, Massachusetts, who downed 49 dogs to Chestnut’s 62. Third place went to Australia’s James Webb with 47.

Miki Sudo, of Tampa, Florida, holds the women’s record of 48.5 in 10 minutes. Miki won her ninth title at the Nathan’s Famous contest last year with 39.5 hot dogs and buns eaten.

Contestants hail from 13 states and several countries.

HOW TO WATCH

If you can’t make it to Coney Island, ESPN will be airing and streaming the competition. Coverage of the women’s competition begins at 10:45 a.m. ET on ESPN3. The men’s competition airs at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN2, with re-airs at 5 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.

LIST OF PLAYERS BASED IN U.S.

Here are the names for contestants based in the U.S. (there are additional contestants based in other countries).

Men:

• Nicholas Wehry
• Gideon Oji
• Patrick Bertoletti
• Geoffrey Esper
• Derek “Heavy D” Hendrickson
• George Chiger
• Sean Yeager
• William Claude Lyon IV

Women:

• Michelle “Cardboard Shell” Lesco
• Tandra Childress
• Crystal “Crystal Pistol” Ocampo
• Elizabeth “Glizzy Lizzy” Salgado
• Miki Sudo
• Ellen Straub
• Julie Goldberg
• Cherish Brown
• Larell Marie Mele
• Jocelyn Young
• Rubianne Garcia
• Katie Prettyman

States included in the list above are:

• Arizona
• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• Nevada
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Washington

The field has shifted this year as Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, the reigning champion of the contest, will not participate in Thursday’s event after signing a deal with a rival brand.

Instead, Chestnut will take his hot dog-downing talents to an army base in Texas for America’s Independence Day. Chestnut, of Indiana, will compete against soldiers in Fort Bliss, in El Paso, in a 5-minute hot dog eating contest. In 2021, Chestnut set the current record of 76 hot dogs, in 10 minutes.

News Jun 12

Netflix to stream Labor Day hot dog eating contest with rival champions Joey Chestnut, Takeru Kobayashi

Fourth of July Jun 11

Joey Chestnut ‘gutted' he can't compete in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest over rival brand deal

News Jun 11

Nathan's hot dog contest parts ways with champion Joey Chestnut over plant-based frank partnership

With Chestnut out, those vying for second place in Brooklyn in the past might have renewed hope to chomp their way to victory this year.

Last year’s second-place winner was Geoffrey Esper from Oxford, Massachusetts, who downed 49 dogs to Chestnut’s 62. Third place went to Australia’s James Webb with 47.

Miki Sudo, of Tampa, Florida, holds the women’s record of 48.5 in 10 minutes. Miki won her ninth title at the Nathan’s Famous contest last year with 39.5 hot dogs and buns eaten.

Contestants hail from 13 states and several countries.

HOW TO WATCH

If you can’t make it to Coney Island, ESPN will be airing and streaming the competition. Coverage of the women’s competition begins at 10:45 a.m. ET on ESPN3. The men’s competition airs at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN2, with re-airs at 5 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.

LIST OF PLAYERS BASED IN U.S.

Here are the names for contestants based in the U.S. (there are additional contestants based in other countries).

Men:

• Nicholas Wehry
• Gideon Oji
• Patrick Bertoletti
• Geoffrey Esper
• Derek “Heavy D” Hendrickson
• George Chiger
• Sean Yeager
• William Claude Lyon IV

Women:

• Michelle “Cardboard Shell” Lesco
• Tandra Childress
• Crystal “Crystal Pistol” Ocampo
• Elizabeth “Glizzy Lizzy” Salgado
• Miki Sudo
• Ellen Straub
• Julie Goldberg
• Cherish Brown
• Larell Marie Mele
• Jocelyn Young
• Rubianne Garcia
• Katie Prettyman

States included in the list above are:

• Arizona
• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• Nevada
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Washington

Soda on a hot dog? Well, Pepsi is giving it a shot.

Pepsi unveiled Colachup, a Pepsi-infused condiment, on Tuesday. The company worked in partnership with the Culinary Institute of America Consulting with the intent of adding “iconic sweet, citrusy taste of a crisp, refreshing Pepsi-Cola directly onto their hot dog,” according to a press release.

“The concept is both simple and creative,” David Kamen, director of client experience for CIA Consulting, said in the press release. “The distinctive flavors and vibrant citrus blend of Pepsi enhances the bright and tangy characteristics of ketchup, offsetting the smokiness of the hot dog. It’s a whole new way to enjoy two American classics.”

Pepsi is rolling out Colachup to four Major League Baseball stadiums on the Fourth of July. The New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins will have exclusive in-stadium sampling carts for the new concoction.

As part of its #BetterWithPepsi campaign, Pepsi is also partnering with a man synonymous with hot dogs and the Fourth of July.

“People might be surprised, but outside of competitions I love eating hot dogs at a more leisurely pace, and there’s no better way to eat a hot dog – steamed, grilled, or fried – than with a perfectly cool and crisp Pepsi,” Joey Chestnut, a 15-time winner of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, said.

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