Fireworks displays marking Independence Day returned with a bang across the U.S. after last year's cancelations due to the pandemic, as thousands of Americans turned out this July Fourth holiday weekend.
The big picture: Health precautions were in place at many events, though restrictions had eased at some, in a reflection of the huge COVID-19 vaccine rollout — like at a D.C. event with no social distancing, where "maskless actors dressed as George and Martha Washington" entertained maskless tourists, per the Washington Post.
President Biden and first lady Jill Biden watch a fireworks display from the second-floor balcony of the executive residence of the White House during an Independence Day event on the South Lawn. Photo: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Spectators watch the annual Independence Day fireworks display outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia on July 4. Photo: Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images
Fireworks explode near the shore of Goldstons Beach on July 4, 2021 in White Lake, North Carolina. Photo: Lance King/Getty Images
People fill the National Mall to watch the fireworks display during Independence Day celebrations on July 4 in Washington, D.C. Photo: Samuel Corum/Getty Images
Independence Day fireworks erupt over the Philadelphia Art Museum on July 4 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo: Mark Makela/Getty Images
People gather along Main Street to watch fireworks while celebrating Independence Day on July 4 in Sweetwater, Tennessee. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images
Defending Champion Joey Chestnut wins after consuming 76 hot dogs and setting a new world record at the 2021 Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 4 in New York City. Photo: Bobby Bank/WireImage via Getty Images
Fireworks explode over Sea World San Diego as part of their Independence Day celebrations on July 3 in San Diego, California. Photo: Daniel Knighton/Getty Images
Fans enjoy a post-game fireworks display in celebration of the Fourth of July weekend series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants during the MLB game at Chase Field on July 3, in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo: Ralph Freso/Getty Images
Go deeper: Biden says U.S. is close to "independence from a deadly virus"
