Crowds flock to beaches, boardwalks, parades across the Tri-State for July 4th
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Heading to beaches, boardwalks and parades are a huge part of celebrating the 4th of July holiday weekend.
Eyewitness News was in several locations across the Tri-State as people took a break to celebrate Independence Day and relax in the summer sun.
People on Long Island made their way to Jones Beach to soak in the sun and get a prime spot for the annual Jones Beach fireworks show.
Over 175,000 people were expected to attend the event.
"It's going to be a spectacular program," said New York State Parks Regional Director George Gorman. "There's a mix of traditional and modern music and it's going to be a great time."
Sunken Meadow Beach and Robert Moses State Park were also packed on Thursday, according to New York State Parks officials.
Over in New Jersey, a spectacular parade got the holiday festivities going in Ridgefield Park.
That parade has been wowing residents for 130 years and is the oldest in the state.
"It gets better every year," said spectator Elizabeth Vangeldren. "It's a family affair."
Down at the Jersey Shore, people flooded the boardwalks for the great food and fun.
"I think we've been here a lot of years," said Long Branch's Shannon Feiter. "We come here a lot of years."
The festivities included the first annual WindMill Hot Dog eating contest -- but the contestants weren't quite as ambitious as those at the annual Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest on Coney Island.
The first place winner put down six and a half dogs, albeit, extra large hot dogs.
But the main event will be a fireworks show on the beach Thursday night.
ALSO READ | Exclusive look into NYPD's new technology, safety precautions for 4th of July celebrations
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
