Revellers across the US braved heat and heavy rain to take part in Fourth of July activities on Tuesday — celebrating the nation’s founding with parades, fireworks and hot dog eating contests. At one longstanding celebration, fans of competitive eating crowded to watch Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest held in the Coney Island section of New York City. Further norther, storms were expected from the Dakotas and Minnesota through to Kansas and Missouri, endangering cookouts and firework displays. Competitive eater Joey Chestnut holds a plate of hotdogs during a weigh-in ceremony before the Nathan’s Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest (John Minchillo/AP/PA)In Hannibal, Missouri, the hometown of Mark Twain, the Fourth of July weekend coincides with National Tom Sawyer Day. Gun violence also marred some of the celebratory atmosphere, as shootings left five dead in Philadelphia and three dead in Texas.

Source: Irish Examiner July 05, 2023 05:20 UTC