Cost of Fourth of July celebration rises this year
Higher gas, food prices don't discourage people from celebrating
Higher gas, food prices don't discourage people from celebrating
Higher gas, food prices don't discourage people from celebrating
If you're planning a family getaway or staying home for a barbecue this Fourth of July, you can expect to pay more than you did last year.
Gas prices have risen this year, but that's not the only thing that's gotten more expensive. If you're planning a trip to the grocery store this weekend for essential barbecue items, expect to dish out more at the cash register.
Prices at the gas pump, pushing $5 per gallon, $1.50 to $2 more than this time last year.
"I got eight gallons for $52," said George Allen, who was visiting from Boston. "It's about $130 to fill it up. It's a 24-gallon tank."
The high price of gas isn't slowing down holiday travel, especially on the roads.
"Interestingly, it's a record-setting year for auto travel, with about 42 million going by car despite paying record-high gas prices," said Pat Moody, of AAA New England.
Inflation is also eating into barbecue budgets with food prices up.
"We've been buying a lot of local farm eggs and meats because of that," said Tommy Vatter, who was traveling for the holiday.
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, 10 guests at a Fourth of July cookout will cost on average nearly $70 this year, an increase of about $10 from 2021.
The biggest price jump is in beef products, with 2 pounds of beef costing 36% more.
"Typically, we'd say to substitute that protein with either a chicken or a pork, but you're seeing the same thing, a 30-plus percent increase across the board," said Kevin Daigle, president of the New Hampshire Grocers Association.
Despite the rising prices, celebrations will continue, something that was evident at Sully's Superette in Allenstown, where people where grabbing food for grilling.
"We're here for value, so we offer good specials," said store director Mark Girardin. "We offer good services, so we're here to help our loyal, local faithful."
Not everything costs more. The prices for potato chips, cheese and strawberries are down this year.