Millions of Americans began final preparations for Fourth of July cookouts on Friday, one day before the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The American Farm Bureau Federation and grocery retailers reported strong demand for barbecue staples heading into the holiday weekend.

The Semiquincentennial has added significance to this year's festivities, with cities from Philadelphia to Washington scheduling expanded fireworks displays, parades and historical commemorations. The National Retail Federation had forecast record spending on food, decorations and travel for the long weekend.

Grocers including Walmart and Kroger promoted holiday deals on ground beef, hot dogs and buns. The American Automobile Association projected tens of millions of travelers on the roads, noting that the Thursday before Independence Day typically ranks among the busiest travel days of the summer.

Public safety agencies, including the National Fire Protection Association, issued their annual warnings about grill fires and consumer fireworks, which cause thousands of injuries each July. State officials urged residents to attend professional displays rather than set off their own pyrotechnics.

The holiday caps a week of Semiquincentennial programming, including commemorative product releases and museum exhibitions tied to the anniversary. Retailers and tourism boards said they expected the milestone to sustain elevated consumer activity through the weekend.