Fourth of July is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the US each year.

A day dedicated to patriotism, barbecues, and sporting red, white and blue – it marks the nation's Founding Fathers adopting the Declaration of Independence, making the United States its own country on 4 July 1776.

In honour of the American spirit that will outpouring through America on Wednesday, here are a few records from the country.

Most expensive flag sold at auction

The Most expensive flag sold at an auction is an American Revolutionary War battleflag from 1776, the year the US declared its independence. 

The item went to an anonymous buyer on 14 June 2006 for $12,336,000 (£6,707,264), including buyer's premium, at Sotheby's in New York. 

The regimental standard of the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons was captured by British cavalry officer, Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton at Pound Ridge, Westchester County, New York, on 2 July 1779 and subsequently shipped to England, where it remained until it was put up for auction by one of his descendants. 

It is the earliest surviving American flag of any kind with a field of 13 red and white stripes.

Largest hot dog cart

Many love eating hot dogs on this holiday, so much that there are several known hot dog eating contests that fall on the day each year. 

Especially American Marcus Daily from Washington, Missouri, who created the Largest hot dog cart – measuring a colossal 3.72 m (12 ft 2.75 in) high, 2.81 m (9 ft 3 in) wide and 7.06 m (23 ft 2 in) long. The cart incorporates a kitchen where the food is prepared.

Largest ice lolly (popsicle)

Independence Day always falls in the middle of America’s summer season, meaning it's often a long, hot and sunny day. 

It’s not unusual to see many cooling off with a refreshing ice pop, but could you imagine having the world’s largest at you’re summer barbecue? 

The Rocket ice was 6.5 m (21 ft 4 in) long, 2.26 m (7 ft 5 in) wide and averaging 1.1 m (3 ft 7 in) thick and was constructed to the same proportions as the company's standard product, differing only in size. 

Weighing 9.081 tonnes (20,020 lb), it was made by Jan van den Berg at Iglo-Ola Produktie B.V., Hellendoorn, Netherlands, from 1-30 August 1997.

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Longest chain of fireworks

Fireworks are one of the most iconic ways to celebrate the end of the Fourth of July, with several locations around the country putting on spectacular shows to mark the occasion. 

Viejas Casino and resort in Alpine, California, took it one step further in 2014, and put on the Longest chain of fireworks

Using a total of 10,005 bangers, it created a spectacular show it has remained the record holder since.

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