 The National Retail Federation survey says Americans are opting to spend less to celebrate the 4th this year. The survey found 87% of consumers plan to celebrate the holidays and will likely spend some $9.9 billion on Independence Day on food items for picnics and cookouts. That's a bit more than $90 per person on food items, which is $3 down from last year. Around 30% of those celebrating plan to buy additional patriotic items.