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The 4th of July brings Southeast Minnesota alive with economic activity from farm fields to lakeshores.
7/3/2025 10:52:56 AM
Amanda Blaschko
The 4th of July brings Southeast Minnesota alive with economic activity from farm fields to lakeshores. The 4th of July is a beloved American holiday, and some well-known traditions include enjoying summertime food favorites, indulging in adult beverages and boating on the lake. Let's break down the economics and employment behind these pastimes.
| Table 1. Selected Industry Statistics in Southeast Minnesota | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industry Title | 2024 | 2023-2024 | 2014-2024 | |||||
| Number of Jobs | Number of Establish-ments | Total Payroll | Avg. Annual Wage | Change in Jobs | Percent Change | Change in Jobs | Percent Change | |
| Total, All Industries | 247,013 | 13,711 | $16,448,661,627 | $66,560 | +2,953 | +1.2% | +11,631 | +4.9% |
| Vegetable & Melon Farming | 155 | 15 | $8,788,793 | $56,888 | -11 | -6.6% | 62 | +66.7% |
| Meat Processed from Carcasses | 3,354 | 8 | $207,593,950 | $61,828 | +96 | +2.9% | 529 | +18.7% |
| Restaurants | 13,952 | 823 | $305,411,596 | $21,892 | +60 | +0.4% | 832 | +6.3% |
| Beer, Wine & Liquor Stores | 429 | 74 | $7,739,285 | $17,992 | -2 | -0.5% | -55 | -11.4% |
| Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) | 1,225 | 124 | $18,667,456 | $15,184 | +16 | +1.3% | +51 | +4.3% |
| Boat Dealers | 69 | 6 | $5,093,261 | $74,048 | -5 | -6.8% | 0 | 0.0% |
| Source: Quarterly Census of Employment & Wages | ||||||||
Some classic 4th of July foods include sweet corn, watermelon and hot dogs, and timing couldn't be more perfect for Southeast Minnesota's agricultural economy. Right around Independence Day, the region's 15 employer establishment vegetable and melon farms hit their peak season, supporting 155 jobs. Employment typically spikes during the third quarter (July, August, September) as harvest season kicks into high gear, with farms needing maximum labor for picking, processing and distribution.
This seasonal industry has shown strong growth over the past decade, gaining 62 jobs since 2014 (a 66.7% increase), which reflects a growing demand for local, fresh produce. However, the industry declined by 11 jobs since 2023, highlighting the year-to-year volatility of seasonal farming. This does not include family farms that aren't reporting into the Unemployment Insurance program.
Many 4th of July celebrations are centered around the grill, firing it up for hot dogs and other favorites. Southeast Minnesota's meat processing industry fills this need with 3,354 workers across 8 establishments, processing everything from hot dogs and bacon to sandwich meat and smoked specialties. Unlike seasonal vegetable farms, meat processing maintains steady employment year-round since people consume meat consistently regardless of season. This industry has been a consistent job creator, adding 529 positions since 2014 and 96 jobs in the past year. With an average annual wage of $61,828, these jobs provide solid employment throughout the region.
Beyond food, adult beverages and dining out are central to many 4th of July celebrations. Whether you're stocking up at a liquor store for a backyard party or heading to a local establishment for drinks with friends, these businesses play a crucial role in Southeast Minnesota's holiday economy.
The region's 74 Beer, Wine, and Liquor Stores employ 429 workers, though this sector has faced headwinds in recent years. Since 2014, employment has declined by 55 jobs, and the trend continued with a loss of two jobs in the past year.
However, if you prefer to go out for drinks rather than stay home, Southeast Minnesota's 124 Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) tell a different story. These venues employ 1,225 jobs and have grown by 51 jobs since 2014 and added 16 jobs since 2023. This suggests people still value the experience of going out, and the region's bars are great social gathering spots.
For those who want the full dining experience, the region's 823 Restaurants employ 13,952 jobs. Restaurants have added 832 jobs since 2014 and 60 jobs since 2023, demonstrating the continued importance of dining out in American culture, especially during holidays when families come together to celebrate.
Finally, no 4th of July in Minnesota is complete without hitting the water to enjoy our beautiful lakes and rivers. Southeast Minnesota has six Boat Dealers that provide an average of 69 jobs over the year, but see their business activity spike during quarters two and three as the weather warms up and families prepare for summer adventures. Employment drops significantly during fall and reaches its lowest point in winter when ice covers the lakes.
While boat dealership employment has remained flat over the past decade (no change since 2014), the industry did see a slight decline of five jobs since 2023. However, these dealerships offer some of the highest wages in the analysis, with an average annual salary of $74,048, reflecting the specialized knowledge required to sell and service recreational boats.
For those whose budgets don't stretch to boat ownership, rental options exist throughout the region, though specific employment data for boat rentals isn't available due to data suppression in smaller industry categories.
From seasonal farm workers harvesting sweet corn to year-round meat processors preparing hot dogs, and from restaurant servers to boat dealers enhancing our recreation opportunities, hundreds of businesses and thousands of workers across Southeast Minnesota make our celebrations possible. So this 4th of July, as you bite into sweet corn, savor a grilled hot dog, raise a toast with friends or cruise across a Minnesota lake, remember the economic network behind the holiday traditions and the countless workers who help make the favorite summer memories happen.
For more information about employment in Southeast Minnesota, contact Amanda Blaschko at Amanda.Blaschko@state.mn.us.
