Skip Descant

The Desert Sun

U.S. Consumers plan to flex their patriotic spending this Fourth of July with the average household plunking down $370.75 this year, up 7 percent from 2015.

To celebrate the nation’s birthday – itself a form of Brexit on this side of the Pond – Americans will wash down 150 million hot-dogs with $1 billion worth of beer, according to WalletHub, which tracks consumer spending. The holiday – which will help form a three-day weekend – will also be marked by eating 700 million pounds of chicken and 190 million pounds of beef.

And in case you were wondering what cities happen to be the best places to celebrate Independence Day, look to the nation's edges. The No. 1 city is Seattle – in part because of its great summer weather – followed by Minneapolis, New Orleans and Washington D.C.

In California, San Diego grabbed the No. 7 spot, with due credit to its relatively fantastic summer weather, while San Francisco snagged the No. 9 spot.

Illegal fireworks not welcome in Desert Hot Springs

If you’re in Palm Springs for the Fourth, prepare for triple-digit temps. (No surprise there.) The V Palm Springs hotel will host free pool parties this weekend featuring DJ Richard Grey and local legend DJ Alf Alpha.

On Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. DJ Alf Alpha will deliver upbeat daytime disco vibes in the spirit of Palm Springs summer fun.

Ask a vet: Ensure pet safety during fireworks shows

Then on Monday, July 4 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Ibiza-based, legendary Frenchman, DJ Richard Grey will spin San Tropez style tunes in the spirit of European summer fun.

Catch fireworks displays Monday evening at the Palm Springs Baseball Stadium, the Agua Caliente Casino Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage and the Palm Desert Civic Center Park.