NATION ■ New York City marked the Fourth of July with a traditional eating contest and fireworks.
Hot dog eating contest, fireworks return to city
NEW YORK — After a year lost to the coronavirus, New York City’s most well-known Fourth of July traditions are back.
The traditional Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show returned in full form with a display over the East River, as shells were shot from five barges in a televised, choreographed spectacle.
This year, crowds will be welcome to gather.
The show was broadcast live on NBC as part of a two-hour special featuring the Black Pumas, Coldplay, Onerepublic and Reba Mcentire. The performers’ appearances were pre-recorded from around the country in front of live audiences.
Last year, because of pandemic restrictions, there were a series of shorter fireworks shows in the days leading up to the holiday, with the locations kept secret in advance to keep people from congregating.
The annual spectacle of gluttony that is the Nathan’s Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest also once again welcomed live audiences to watch the epic chowdown in Brooklyn. Joey “Jaws” Chestnut topped his own record by downing 76 franks and buns in 10 minutes in the men’s competition, while Michelle Lesco, of Tucson, Arizona, took the women’s title by eating 30¾ weiners and buns.
Reigning women’s champ and record-holder Miki Sudo skipped this year because she’s expecting a baby in a few weeks with fellow competitive eater Nick Wehry. He vied for the men’s title but came up short.
The event wasn’t quite the same as usual. Instead of being at Surf and Stillwell avenues, just off the Coney Island boardwalk, this year’s competition was held nearby in a minor league baseball stadium, Maimonides Park. Spectators were asked to register for free tickets in advance.
Last year, though, there were no spectators allowed as Chestnut ate a then-record 75 hot dogs and buns.
He said Sunday that hearing the fans again helped propel him to victory.
“They kept pushing me. They didn’t give up on me,” he said in an ESPN interview. “Even if I was uncomfortable, having everybody cheer me and push me, it made me feel good.”
Landmarks around the state, from the World Trade Center’s centerpiece tower to Niagara Falls, were lit in red, white and blue to mark Independence Day.
“If the last 16 months has reaffirmed anything, it’s how precious life is and how vital liberty is to our identity as New Yorkers and Americans,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.