Millions of Americans celebrated Independence Day amidst sweltering heat warnings on Thursday. They headed to beaches and joined large crowds for July Fourth parades, cookouts, and the dazzling fireworks displays that lit up the evening sky.
In Washington, vibrant bursts of light brightened the National Mall at night. The Boston Pops orchestra performed a spectacular fireworks show at Hatch Memorial Shell.
From Brattleboro, Vermont, to Waco, Texas, to Alameda, California, people dressed in patriotic colors waved American flags at parades to honor the nation’s birthday.
Travel was at a peak as records were expected to be broken with airports and highways packed as people traveled to Fourth of July events that extended into a long weekend for many.
On the East Coast, some beachgoers in Connecticut were turned away due to full parking lots at state parks, including Hammonasset Beach State Park, the state’s largest shoreline beach.
Out west, residents faced intense heat as the National Weather Service issued warnings of a “significant and extremely dangerous” heat wave across much of the region.
Temperatures in the desert Southwest were forecasted to exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius), and hot, humid conditions persisted in the Deep South and Middle Atlantic.
Despite a heat advisory in Philadelphia with temperatures in the 90s, crowds still gathered at historic sites in the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776.
Outside the National Constitution Center, volunteer actors wore costumes from the Revolutionary War era made of heavy wool, despite the hot weather. Participants said it was important to them.
“It keeps you connected to your community and where you live,” said Adrian Mercado, who dressed in a uniform from the 6th Pennsylvania Regiment.
In the evening, fireworks were planned over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway following performances by Ne-Yo and Kesha.
In New York City, Macy’s annual fireworks display launched thousands of fireworks from the Hudson River, lighting up the skylines of Manhattan, Hoboken, and Jersey City.
From Queens, bright golden and orange bursts could be seen against the silhouette of the Empire State Building, which was illuminated in red, white, and blue. Pleasant weather brought residents to their rooftops, where many set off their own fireworks.
“This is how we celebrate. It’s the bombs bursting in air. It’s the rockets’ red glare. That’s how people show their pride and patriotism,” said Julie Heckman of the American Pyrotechnics Association.
All indications pointed to large-scale celebrations: The Transportation Security Administration noted that a record nearly 3 million people passed through airports in a single day last week, a number expected to be surpassed this week.
AAA estimated that 60.6 million people would travel by car during the holiday period. Part of the increase was attributed to easing inflation, though many Americans still have concerns about the economy.
In suburban Chicago, Highland Park revived its annual parade on the second anniversary of a mass shooting that claimed seven lives and injured dozens during the 2022 event. Residents gathered at a middle school for a tribute before the parade, which followed a different route than in previous years.
“July Fourth will always be a day filled with mixed feelings,” said Mayor Nancy Rotering. “Today, we hope to come together as a community to honor and remember those we have lost.”
The holiday commemorating the birth of the nation, when America declared independence from British rule, is typically celebrated with barbecues, cold drinks, American flags on display, and parades. But communities also add their own unique touches to the festivities.
In New York’s Coney Island, there was the annual hot dog eating contest, where Patrick Bertoletti of Chicago won the men’s title by devouring 58 hot dogs. Miki Sudo of Florida set a new record in the women’s competition by eating 51 hot dogs, claiming her 10th title.
In Alaska, the city of Seward kicked off celebrations with a midnight fireworks show, drawing thousands to a rocky beach during the brief dusk in the land of the midnight sun. Over Resurrection Bay, fireworks lit up the sky as residents watched in awe. “It was truly magical,” said Iris Woolfolk.
In Northern California, Oroville’s annual fireworks were canceled due to a wildfire. Although most of the 17,000 people under evacuation orders or warnings were able to return home, hundreds of firefighters battled the blaze amid extreme heat.
While the July Fourth holiday typically brings Americans together in their shared love for their country, this year’s celebration in 2024 occurs amid deep political divisions and a contentious presidential race.
In Boston, where tens of thousands gathered for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, conductor Keith Lockhart expressed how inspiring it is to see people from different political backgrounds coming together at Charles River Esplanade.
