NEW YORK (AP) — After a year lost to the coronavirus, New York City’s most well-known Fourth of July traditions were back. The traditional Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks took place Sunday over the East River, with shells shot from five barges in a televised, choreographed spectacle. Last year, because of pandemic restrictions, there were a series of shorter shows in the days leading up to the holiday, with the locations kept secret in advance to keep people from congregating. Nathan’s Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest also once again welcomed live audiences to watch the epic chow-down in which Joey Chestnut set a new record.
Fireworks explode from the Empire State Building and over the New York City skyline during Macy’s 4th of July fireworks display, late Sunday, July 4, 2021, as seen from Jersey City, N.J. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes)
