Coney Island on the 4th of July

It seemed like a New York tradition, so we boarded a train to Coney Island to celebrate the 4^th of July.

We found Nathan’s Original Hotdog stand where they were preparing for the annual Hotdog eating contest.

We didn’t actually see any of the contestants,

so we ate some hotdogs ourselves, just to join in the festivities.

As is often the case, New Yorkers were dressed for the occasion.

There was Mr. USA, and Miss America…

and even Uncle Sam was there.

We found the famous Coney Island rides…

and the boardwalk

The beach was popular and decorated with colorful umbrellas.

With our faces full of sun and toes full of sand we headed back into the city.  There we found that 55th street was closed to traffic for an old fashioned block party.

We couldn’t help but join the fun.