8 Things you Didn't Know About the 4th of July

Fireworks over Boston and its reflections on Charles River

The 4th of July: the glorious day when we stuff our faces, enjoy elaborate firework spectaculars, and party like it's 1999. So for you, dear reader and fellow BBQer, we've compiled a list of things you might not know (but probably should) about our beloved holiday, so you can impress your friends with more than just your famous potato salad this year.

1. Only two people actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th -- John Hancock and Charles Thompson. Most people signed it on August 2nd, 1776.

2. The popular patriotic song "Yankee Doodle" was originally sung prior to the Revolution by British military officers in mockery of the unorganized and buckskin-wearing “Yankees.”

3. Bristol, Rhode Island's Annual Fourth of July Celebration, established in 1785, is the oldest continuous celebration of its kind in the United States. This year marks the 240th consecutive celebration.

4. Dave Righetti threw a no-hitter for the New York Yankees on July 4, 1983.

5. July 4th is the "biggest hot dog holiday of the year," according to TIME magazine, with Americans reportedly consuming more than 155 million of them on Independence Day alone.

6. Eighty eight percent of imported U.S. flags are from China.

7. To avoid further cracks, the Liberty Bell has not been rung since 1846. Instead, every year, to mark the 4th of July, the 2,000-pound bell is tapped 13 times.

8. Seven of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence were educated at Harvard.