DC's 1985 4th of July

I made these Fourth of July celebration photos on the National Mall in 1985. Two are from black & white negatives and the remainder are Kodachrome slides. 

Back then, there were no security fences around the general area, no magnetometers, and no rigid bag checks. Many people brought coolers with food, beer, wine, and other refreshments, intent on staying the day picnicking with family and friends and watching the stage show. The uniquely American Beach Boys were yearly performers in the early 80s. They and other musicians were on stage well into the evening when the fireworks began.

The 4th in 1985 as a brutally hot, sunny day and many came in swimsuits and shorts. Some of the younger guys coped with the heat by going shirtless. Later in the day, officials opened a fire hydrant where a surge of people crowded together to cool down as quickly as possible.

Click the photo below to open the image gallery.