Kids are already back at school (if the multitudinous photos on social media are used as evidence) but in general, Labor Day weekend is seen as the last gasp of summer. That means an uptick in travel (particularly to beach destinations), cookouts – and a chance to make good on all those resolutions people made concerning sports and fitness and getting in touch with their outdoor selves before summer was over. (Bulletin: Less than a week is left; better get moving.)
A few statistics regarding this weekend (sources are shown in parentheses):
35.5 million-plus: Number of Americans who will travel more than 50 miles from home over the weekend (thank you, WalletHub, for these statistics)
818: From Memorial Day to Labor Day, number of hot dogs eaten per second this summer. Yes. Really. (No telling whether that includes the world record-breaking 73.5 Nathan’s hot dogs on buns that Joey “Jaws Chestnut consumed in 10 minutes at Major League Eating’s competition on June 25, 2016)
Fifth: Consecutive year the amount of travel has increased (WalletHub)
11.5 Percent: The occupancy rate at campgrounds in North America will rise this weekend, over 2015 (at least according to Kampgrounds of America, or KOA). This is a record-setting crowd for the organization.) And while all those people are outside, it is an excellent opportunity for them to take part in outdoor activities, such as mountain biking, kayaking, trail running or canoeing.
1.085: The number of Labor Day weekend races across the U.S. (Running in the USA’s interactive calendar); they break down as follows: 577 on Saturday, 202 on Sunday and 306 on Monday. Of those, the majority are 5Ks.
85: College football games to be played and in many cases, televised (as listed by Fox Sports)
And with statistics like that, be grateful for this one:
88.8: Percentage of workers age 18-64 who are covered by health insurance (WalletHub)
Happy end-of-summer, everyone.
About the Author
