Partygoers across US brave heat and heavy downpours to celebrate Fourth of July

People gather ahead of the 2023 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn, New York on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 (Yuki Iwamura/AP/PA)

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.