VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — People packed the Oceanfront beginning at sunrise this Fourth of July. It was very crowded, but folks were making the best of it— they drove down from all over to claim their square foot of sand.
People said they saw more tents and umbrellas this year on the beach, making it look even more crowded, with many out playing games, building sandcastles or just playing in the water.
As the day went on, the parking situation got a little tougher. 10 On Your Side talked with folks who said they’d been in traffic for an hour trying to find a spot. Others were keeping their cool and going with the flow.
Stachia Roundtree was out with her friends and family, stringing together several tents and coming prepared with coolers full of sandwiches and water.
“We’re gonna line up right here, we got a smorgasbord of food and lots of water ’cause you know, the sun,” said Roundtree, who planned to stay through the fireworks show. “Sunscreen, yes, absolutely. We’re going to enjoy fireworks and then we’re going to enjoy getting out of here. That’s when we take a nap and I let my daughter drive.”
Live entertainment began at 7 p.m. and the fireworks began just before 9 p.m. at the Oceanfront. In all, officials were expecting 10,000 people at the beach Thursday.