From fireworks soaring above the Washington Monument to hot dogs being downed in New York City’s famed frank-eating contest, Americans aren’t shy about celebrating their nation’s birthday. Many places are rolling out long-established Independence Day traditions on Monday (even if some of those traditions aren’t as long-established as they sound). Rain was forecast in many cities, but revelers were trying not to let it dampen their fun. Some Fourth of July highlights from around the country:
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INCREASED SECURITY FOR NEW YORK CITY’S FIREWORKS SHOW
Police have dispatched 5,000 officers to oversee the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks display in the nation’s largest city. That’s the largest detail the New York Police Department has ever assigned on July Fourth.
Authorities say there are no known, credible threats against New York but vowed to remain vigilant as more than 1 million spectators gather to view Macy’s annual fireworks display over the East River.