People across Tri-State area celebrate Labor Day at beaches, boardwalks and parades
NEW JERSEY (WABC) -- People across the Tri-State area marked the unofficial end of summer at beaches, on boardwalks and at local celebrations including parades and fireworks.
The ocean breeze along the Jersey Shore provided perfect relief from the sun as people enjoyed the warm sand.
Those on the boardwalk enjoyed jogging, walking, shopping, and of course, eating.
Kids splashed in the water during their last day or two of freedom before school started back up.
Lifeguards were on duty, keeping a watchful eye at Bradley Beach.
Elsewhere, residents hit the beaches on Long Island and in New York City.
Gas prices were lower than in previous years, which was welcome news to those who arrived at the beaches by car.
Others took advantage of mass transit. Those who headed to New Jersey enjoyed the final day of free fares. Tuesday, it's back to work.
A LABOR DAY TRADITION
Meantime in Middlesex County, NJ they gathered for a quintessential local parade Monday.
For 65 years, the streets of South Plainfield have been packed with spectators watching local organizations march in this hometown Labor Day celebration.
This is the last big blast of summer for so many, especially the kids who will be heading back to school later this week.
The "Once Upon A Parade" featured lots of tradition.
There has been controversy here in the past.
Two years ago a white supremacy group showed up and tried to march in the parade, and in 2019 there was a bomb scare that shut down the festivities.
But this time around it was smooth sailing.
Following the parade, the crowds headed over to veterans park to continue celebrating Labor Day.
The day was set to end with a fireworks celebration.
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