New York on July 4: Stores Closed, Heat Shimmers, Tourists Wait for Fireworks?

Manhattan Island sleeps in shimmering heat, tourists wearily walking around ( worse heat coming, so better get used to the idea)...

Subway Platforms swelter but trains are air conditioned...pace is slowing...

Some natuves find the holiday a great time to be with kids...

A few people insist on playing sports outdoors despite warnings against it...

And some people just take the whole holiday as a day of rest, relaxation and contemplation ...

Finally, some shoppers will be disappointed that not everyplace will be open...but so much is, so so what...