Delaware riverfront crowds celebrate America's 250th birthday

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- It was a day of family fun, entertainment and patriotic pride along the Delaware riverfront as crowds gathered to celebrate the Fourth of July in the First State.

Families spent the day marking America's 250th birthday while looking for ways to stay cool amid the summer heat.

"We did the train ride. They are giving out water, and that's good, keeping us cool during the heat," said Estene Conley of Bear.

Public works crews handed out free bottled water to visitors, while others beat the heat with fresh-squeezed lemonade.

"Honestly, she's got the best lemonade. You don't need to go anywhere else," said Emily Hockenberger of Wilmington.

Fireworks capped off the celebrations, but only after storm clouds rolled in, clearing people out and delaying the initial start of the show.

Despite the interruption, attendees said they were happy to be part of the historic celebration.

"It's America's 250th," Conley said. "That's great to be a part of out in the community."