FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — As the Fourth of July approaches and the country prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, many Central California residents are feeling the impact of rising costs tied to the holiday.<\/p>\n
According to the National Retail Federation, 87% of people plan to celebrate this year. But as families finalize travel plans and shopping lists, the prices for gas, groceries and fireworks are adding to the cost of festivities.<\/p>\n
Drivers are expected to crowd roadways over the holiday weekend. AAA projects that about 85% of travelers will take to the highways, with many families heading to gatherings such as barbecues and baseball games.<\/p>\n
“We’re going to see the Dodgers play the Padres on Saturday, Fourth of July,” said Fresno resident Ron Torres.<\/p>\n
Over the last several weeks, gas prices in California have trended downward.<\/p>\n
“This is all a result of peace talks between Iran and the US and the potential for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen,” said Doug Johnson with AAA Northern California.<\/p>\n
The state’s gas tax is expected to go up by about two cents starting on Wednesday. Even with fluctuating prices, some drivers say they are adjusting their budgets to maintain holiday plans.<\/p>\n
“I just gotta do what I do. I’m going to go where I want to go. I just got to work a little bit extra and make a little bit more money,” Torres said.<\/p>\n
Johnson noted that the upcoming gas tax increase may not have a major impact on consumers if prices continue to fall, but short-term increases are still possible.<\/p>\n
“It may not be something a lot of Californians notice, especially if gas prices continue to go down. But ahead of the holiday break, you might see prices spike a little bit because of supply and demand, right? Everybody wants to get out,” he said.<\/p>\n
Beyond travel costs, grocery prices are also climbing ahead of the holiday. A California Farm Bureau survey found that a Fourth of July cookout for 10 people will cost about $91.80, an increase of $1.74 compared to 2025. The survey also showed that the price of two pounds of ground beef rose by 73 cents over the past year.<\/p>\n
Despite those increases at the checkout line, farmers are not seeing significant gains, according to the organization.<\/p>\n
“We have data that says that farmers are only keeping less than 6 cents for every dollar of ag products that leave the farm,” said Steven Fenaroli with the California Farm Bureau.<\/p>\n
Fireworks, a staple of Fourth of July celebrations, are also becoming more expensive. Some residents say they are getting less for what they spend each year.<\/p>\n
“I usually spend roughly from $250 to $300 a year. Every year, I notice we’re getting less and less for what we’re paying,” said Fresno resident Guillermo Flores.<\/p>\n
At a fireworks stand on Bullard and First in Northeast Fresno, operators say promotional deals are helping offset rising costs for customers.<\/p>\n
“What they have done is supplement that with some of our buy one get one free offers. So it kind of helps supplement the cost for some of our folks,” said Walter Bell, assistant coach for Hoover’s girls basketball team.<\/p>\n
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