While July 4th wasn’t declared an official federal holiday until 1941, Independence day has been celebrated across the United States since 1776 – marking the day that the nation's Founding Fathers adopted the Declaration of Independence. Conveniently celebrated just two weeks after the first day of summer, the holiday is not only a time for the USA to honor its nation’s founding, but gives Americans a reason to kick back, relax and enjoy time with friends and family.
 
In honor of the occasion we here at Guinness World Records in the US are taking a look at record breaking feats sure to get you in the red, white and blue holiday spirit. 
 
Longest chain of fireworks
 
A staple since the first Independence Day, and likely the biggest tradition of the holiday, fireworks will be seen in backyards and cities across the country on Saturday. While not achieved on the 4th, the record for the Longest chain of fireworks was a sight to be seen no less. On September 12, 2014, Viejas Casino & Resort in Alpine, California lit up the night sky with a whopping 10,005 fireworks!
 
Most ice-cream cups prepared in 3 minutes by a team
 
Last year, ice cream company Dippin' Dots, went so far as to celebrate the Fourth of July by attempting their own Guinness World Records title! A team of five including country music singer Ashley Monroe, prepared 473 ice cream cups to set the record for the Most ice cream cups prepared in three minutes by a team in Nashville, Tennessee, 4 July 2014.
 
One can argue that there’s nothing more patriotic than the American flag. Whether it’s hung outside your home, printed across your t-shirt or covering a picnic table, the stars and stripes will be out in full force on Saturday. 
 
The town of Waterloo, New York commemorated their historical role as the birthplace of yet another American holiday, Memorial Day, on 29 May 2000. Displaying 25,898 American flags, local residents hung flags from their homes and businesses to help achieve the record for Most national flags displayed in one city in 24 hours. Here’s to hoping someone attempts this record on the 4th! 
 
Most hot dogs eaten
 
It’s impossible to talk about the Fourth of July without a nod to Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest. What started as a contest between friends to prove each other's patriotism, has since become an iconic event. On 4 July 2001, Takeru Kobayashi of Japan took to the stage and devoured an incredible 50 hot dogs and buns to win the entire contest and claim the Guinness World Records title for Most hot dogs eaten in 12 minutes.

Largest-pavement-chalk-art-guinness-world-records-american-flag
 
Back in 1998, this enormous parking lot-sized chalk drawing measuring 1,644m² (17,700ft²) was drawn by 200 volunteers on the parking lot pavement at Hanover Walmart in Pennsylvania. The patriotic drawing set a record for Largest chalk pavement art, which stood for three years until it was finally broken by the Boys and Girls Club of Detroit.
 
 
Here’s to a day filled with fun, family and patriotic pride. Happy Fourth of July!