Tri-State residents mark Independence Day at towns, beaches and boardwalks under sunny skies
RIDGEFIELD PARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- From cities and towns to beaches and boardwalks, residents across the Tri-State area marked the July 4th holiday under sunny skies.
The spirit of Independence Day was alive and well in Ridgefield Park, Bergen County.
That's where young patriots took to the streets in their finest star-spangled outfits, sporting red, white, and blue from head to toe.
The Baby and Youth Parade preceded the main parade, which was founded in 1894.
It is the longest running parade in New Jersey and one of the oldest in the nation, featuring bands, floats and more.
On Staten Island, hundreds of people came out to watch the 115th Travis Fourth of July Parade.
Spectators lined the route, which began near Showplace Entertainment Center on East Service Road at 12:30 this afternoon.
A string of marchers, including the NYPD's band, passed an enthusiastic crowd waving American flags.
Among the marchers was Mayor Eric Adams, who spoke about his love for this country at a ceremony at Independence Park.
Meantime, hundreds of thousands of people enjoyed the sun, sand and fireworks displays from Long Island to the Jersey shore.
At Jones Beach, authorities were using drones to protect swimmers from dangerous rip currents this weekend and also monitor for possible shark sightings.
In fact, multiple shark sightings were reported off the Rockaways on Friday morning, leading to a temporary closure at Beach 30th Street. It has since been reopened, but officials said they would continue to monitor the beach.
Heightened security is in place, including surveillance cameras, trucks blocking off certain areas and cement blocks along the boardwalk.
At the Silver Ball Retro Arcade on the boardwalk in Asbury Park, a mom of three little girls from Queens said she wants them to grow up with simple memories.
This is the big weekend for families enjoying perfect weather and not worrying about their wallets.
And of course, the crowds mean cash for local businesses counting on record breaking crowds to make holiday weekend bank.
"It's pretty big. It kind of sets the tone for the rest of the summer," said the owner of Buoys restaurant, James Manser.
The non-stop June rain killed the rentals at Paddle Out in Manasquan, but on Friday, business was brisk.
"Fourth of July is the place to start, it's a beautiful day, the beaches are open and the people are happy," said Andy Manser of Paddle Out Kayak.
The beaches are packed and expected to get even busier with the main event for the July 4th fireworks.
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