US celebrates Independence Day with fireworks

America celebrates Independence Day with dazzling light displays across the country – as thousands pack the streets in red, white and blue to commemorate July 4th

• Millions turned out Tuesday to mark the 247th anniversary of the United States’ Declaration of Independence
• Americans braved intense rains and  heat to do so, celebrating in several cities such as New York and Boston
• Parades, fireworks and hot dog eating contests were all rife in the array of July 4th processions

Americans turned out in full force to mark 247 years of the Declaration of Independence on Tuesday – with millions braving intense heat and rain to celebrate.

The less-than-agreeable weather was felt in places such as New York – where rain put a pause to the famed Nathan’s Fourth of July hot dog eating contest – as well as the Midwest, where storms threatened to drown out cookouts and firework shows.

That said, most processions moved forward without a hitch – gracing millions with glittering, patriotic displays, often in red-white-and-blue. 

The Independence Day parade in DC – where temperatures hit 90 degrees – saw thousands carrying umbrellas to shield themselves from the beating sun. Attendees, however, were able to more freely enjoy fireworks once the sun set and temperatures cooled – as was the case across most of the country.

Amid these festivities – in a somewhat common consequence of the American holiday – there was unfortunately a fair share of firework-related accidents, leaving two people dead, one in a critical condition, and more than a dozen injured in Michigan, Illinois, and Texas.

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Revelers turned out in full force to celebrate 247 years of the Declaration of Independence on Tuesday, taking in dazzling firework displays across the country. Fireworks for the occasion in New York are seen here 

Despite some less-than-agreeable weather, most processions moved forward without a hitch – gracing citizens in places like Washington, DC, with glittering, patriotic displays, often in red-white-and-blue

The longstanding celebrations Tuesday night, though, were largely unmarred by such tragedies – with most moving forward as planned despite some unforeseen weather. 

In New York City – where several illegal firework displays were both seen and heard across Manhattan and Brooklyn – thousands gathered along the East River for Macy’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show.

One of the most anticipated across the county, the procession saw more than 60,000 shells exploded in total – in a dazzling $6million display billed as a ‘pyrotechnic salute to America.’

Earlier in the day, fans of competitive eating experienced a brief rain delay after crowding to watch Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July event, held every year in the eatery’s birthplace, Coney Island.

Torrential downpours seen in the late morning briefly interrupted the contest, but did not stop Joey ‘Jaws’ Chestnut, 39, downing 62 franks – and buns – in a respectable 10 minutes.

A three-and-half hours’ drive northeast, in Boston, citizens were seen dodging raindrops to snag a space on the grassy oval along the Charles River Esplanade for this year’s Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.

Hundreds of thousands of partygoers attended the iconic event, lining both sides of the river for an almost-as-stunning fireworks spectacular that followed a concert.

Earlier in the day, thunderstorms and heavy rain currently sweeping across Massachusetts threatened to cancel the hallowed event – and saw several evacuated before it was briefly canceled and then reopened at around 5pm.

In New York City, thousands gathered along the East River for Macy’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show, some of which can be seen here

One of the most anticipated across the county, the procession saw more than 60,000 shells exploded in total – in a dazzling $6million display billed as a ‘pyrotechnic salute to America’

Thousand whipped out their phones to record the roughly 25-minute display, which is held every years and sponsored by Macy’s

The city’s skyline is seen illuminated a lovely shade of red Tuesday evening, as several other illegal displays sprouted up across the five boroughs

The Empire State Building was also lit up Tuesday with the colors of the American flag, creating a breathtaking scene for millions across the city

A couple are seen watching the New York City show from across the river in Queens, near the landmark Pepsi sign

Thousands of New Yorkers gathered in Jersey on the other side of the water to get a view of the iconic New York City display

One reveler captured a breathtaking view of the Macy’s fireworks display on Tuesday, as others across the country celebrated

Drones also performed a light show in the form of a boom box with the words ‘Rock The Bells’ during LL Cool J’s performance ahead of the Macy’s display

In DC, pops of color commemorating the red, white and blue of the United States flag exploded over the Capitol –  as President Joe Biden stole a kiss from First Lady Jill and the family embraced one another in the warm glow. 

Biden, 80, appeared in good spirits despite a scandal involving a bag of cocaine recently found at the White House, watching the dazzling fireworks display light up the night sky – with members of the First Family seen smiling and applauding as he enjoyed the Independence Day festivities looking over the National Mall.

The couple was seen celebrating on the Truman balcony with son Hunter and several others. 

Tens of thousands are thought to have also turned up to the event, which is an iconic DC tradition and has been celebrated for decades.

The firework display lasted just 17 minutes and 30 seconds – but still seemed to leave a lasting impression on the masses watching from the Lincoln and World War II memorials. 

Mike Litterst, Spokesperson for the National Mall, said of the procession: ‘Fireworks are shot at 1,000 to 1,500 feet in the air, so no matter where you are, you’re going to get a good view.’

Large crowds gathered below the National Monument in the capital to observe the large scale firework display 

The Washington Monument is seen during the Independence Day fireworks display along the National Mall in Washington

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill watch fireworks with their family as they host an Independence Day celebration at the White House for active-duty and military veterans and their families. Independence Day celebration at the White House

Pops of color that resembled the flag of the United States burst into life over the capitol as the family watched on, with some seen exchanging hugs

Fireworks are seen going off near the Washington Monument on the National Mall as people celebrated the national holiday

The fireworks in the nation’s capital are a highly anticipated event – drawing hundreds of thousands Americans each year

Earlier in the day, crowds could be seen gathering in front of the White House to watch the annual 4th of July fireworks display on the National Mall – with many carrying umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun on what had been a 90 degree day

Down South, in states such as Florida and Texas, firework displays were also in abundance – despite scorching heat that exceeded 90 degrees.

In Miami, fireworks and drones lit up the skies after sun set, when temperatures dropped to the mid-80s.

On Miami Beach, many were seen taking to the beach to enjoy the show that ensued.

Further west in the Lone Star State, revelers defied even more intense heat to celebrate the federal holiday, which dates back to the 18th century and to the American Revolution.

In Dallas, an impressive fireworks display lit up the skied over Toyota Stadium, the home of Dallas FC.

The event was held after the soccer club’s game against – who else – DC United, with the team from the nation’s capital recording a 1-0 win in a display with markedly less fireworks .

Just under 20,000 were in attendance for the festivities, which served as some of the most picturesque of the night.

A few miles north, however, a person died – and four more were hurt – in a firework-related explosion – one that was unsanctioned and ended in a large fire in the hamlet of Cambridge. 

Further west in the Lone Star State, revelers defied even more intense heat to celbrate the federal holiday, which dates back to the 18th century and to the American Revolution In Dallas, an impressive fireworks display lit up the skied over Toyota Stadium, the home of Dallas FC

The event was held after the soccer club’s game against – who else – DC United, with the team from the nation’s capital recording a 1-0 win in a display with markedly less fireworks . Just under 20,000 were in attendance to see the show, which served as one of the most picturesque across the US

In Boston, citizens were seen dodging raindrops to snag a space on the grassy oval along the Charles River Esplanade for this year’s Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

Hundreds of thousands of partygoers attended the iconic event, lining both sides of the river for an almost-as-stunning fireworks spectacular that followed a concert

Navy sailors were also in attendance, seen here standing in a storm of falling confetti

Upshur County Sheriff’s Office said emergency crews responded to reports of a major fire at the location, following a blast which involved fireworks and other incendiary materials. 

Investigators believe an accident happened as fireworks were being prepared for an event later in the day, and no foul play is suspected. 

As of Wednesday at 1am, details were still developing surrounding the incident – sadly just one of several firework-related disasters that occurred during Fourth of July festivities.

In Michigan, a 43-year-old woman died amid a late-night explosion at a home just hours after a rocket misfired into a densely-packed crowd during a public display in the same state, leaving one child needing hospital treatment. 

A 58-year-old man was also left in critical condition after a powerful rocket fired in his face as he was looking inside the tubing to determine why it had not detonated.

In Miami, fireworks and drones lit up the skies after sun set, when temperatures dropped to the mid-80s.

On Miami Beach, many were seen taking to the beach to enjoy the ensuing show – one of several across the Sunshine State

A pink firework goes off above revelers in South Florida, which experienced temperatures north of 90 degrees earlier in the day

Floridians are seen enjoying the show overhead on Miami Beach, for perhaps the most renowned firework display in the state

Some laid on blankets, while others crowded on lifeguard towers to get a better view of the light show

The beach was illuminated in scarlet after one shell burst, with other colorful remnants of expulsions seen in the background

In Chicago, residents of the Windy City were graced with an impressive show at Guaranteed Rate Field – home of the White Sox – following the July 4 game between the home team and the only Canadian ball club in the MLB, the Toronto Blue Jays. 

Meanwhile, in Atlanta, thousands turned out to Atlanta Motor Speedway for FR8Auctions’ Fireworks Extravaganza – deemed the biggest fireworks show on the Southside of the city.

Earlier in the day, the city’s annual 10-kilometer Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race that typically commands an attendance of thousands despite humid summer weather was cut short – due to possible thunderstorms.

Back north, storms also plagued the Dakotas and Minnesota – as well as states like Kansas and Missouri – endangering cookouts and fireworks shows. 

Hail the size of ping pong balls was seen in southeastern South Dakota – causing a planned fireworks show in Yankton to be postponed until Wednesday night.

Children run while watching fireworks after a baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays

The MSG Sphere shows off it’s 1st lightshow to the world as it plays during 4th of July fireworks in Las Vegas

Built on the first floor of The Venetian Resort, the venue is shaped like a sphere – and the lightshow served as its inaugural act

Meanwhile, in Atlanta, thousands turned out to Atlanta Motor Speedway for FR8Auctions’ Fireworks Extravaganza – deemed the biggest fireworks show on the Southside of the city

Meanwhile, in Atlanta, thousands turned out to Atlanta Motor Speedway for FR8Auctions’ Fireworks Extravaganza – deemed the biggest fireworks show on the Southside of the city

Community members take in the Freedom Festival fireworks display in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Residents in states across the county, in places like Maine (pictured), also held firework displays

In more glitzy locales such as Vegas, revelers had the unique opportunity to enjoy the first-ever lightshow from the $2billion MGS Sphere – which was just built on the first floor of The Venetian Resort, and is shaped like a sphere.

Only just finished, the circular auditorium played its massive exterior screen to go along with the festive Fourth of July holiday – leaving guests were in awe of the sight of its massive size and circular display.

On Cape May Beach in New jersey, another impressive firework show was held, as well as another Cedar Rapids Iowa. 

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