Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest is back, and famed competitive eater Joey “Jaws” Chestnut is hoping for a comeback 17th win

American gastrointestinal ingenuity is celebrated at the annual Hot Dog Eating Contest. This year's Coney Island spectacle goes down Friday.

Many retailers and grocery stores will remain open on the Fourth of July, though some may operate on different hours. Major retailers, stores and restaurant chains including Walmart, Starbucks and McDonald's confirmed to USA Today that they will still be serving customers during the holiday.

Government offices, post offices, courts, and schools are closed for the Fourth of July in the U.S. U.S. stock markets and banks are also closed, with limited FedEx and UPS services

Friday marks the 249 th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence — and the Fourth of July holiday has become one filled with fireworks, musical celebrations and other flag-waving opportunities.

Pack a small, separate bag for toiletries. (Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule: 3.4 ounces or less per container; all liquids must fit in one quart size, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; one bag per passenger.) Roll your clothes tightly to save space in your luggage.

New Jersey residents can expect a picture-perfect Fourth of July weekend with clear skies, low humidity, and comfortable temperatures in the 80s. The National Weather Service forecast indicates a dry, sunny Independence Day with northwest winds around 5-10 mph.