According to the U.S. Census Bureau, we imported $201.9 million worth of fireworks from China in 2005; U.S. exports of fireworks, by comparison, came to just $14.9 million in 2005, with Japan purchasing more than any other country at $4.4 million. Yes, it’s true — we enjoy playing with fire and we especially like to watch things blow up in tremendous, colorful bursts of light. We also like to barbecue. A lot. In fact, the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council — which offers everything from info on hot dog etiquette and nutrition to Major League ballpark consumption statistics — expects 150 million hot dogs of all varieties to be consumed by Americans this Fourth of July holiday. Whether or not we’re pyromaniacs, gluttons or a little bit of both, we sure do know how to commemorate our independence; Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties boast more than a dozen Fourth of July celebrations, each with its own exclusive fireworks display. The biggest are held on either side of the Bay at Channelside in Tampa and The Pier in St. Pete; both begin at 9 p.m. Tues., July 4.
This article appears in Jun 28 – Jul 4, 2006.
