Things to Do on July 4 Weekend

**Brigid Bergen** (0:10)
It's The Brian Lehrer Show on WNYC. I'm Brigid Bergen, filling in for Brian. To end the show today, let's talk about how you're celebrating, or maybe surviving, this record-hot long weekend. Saturday is July 4th, and not only is it Independence Day, but it's the country's 250th anniversary. Happy birthday, America.
There are plenty of events going on to celebrate this weekend, so many that we might need some guidance to navigate through them, and we are in luck because I'm joined by Hannah Frishberg, Culture Reporter at Gothamist and WNYC. Hey, Hannah, thanks for joining me.

**Hannah Frishberg** (0:46)
Thanks for having me.

**Brigid Bergen** (0:48)
Listeners, we want to hear what you're getting up to this weekend. Are you attending an event or are you creating your own fun? What are your Fourth of July traditions? Are you attending the famous Coney Island hot dog eating contest, or maybe you're taking a dip in one of the city's recently opened pools with extended hours because it's so hot out? And how will you be staying cool and safe during your festivities? Call or text us. The number is 212-433-WNYC.
That's 212-433-9692.
Okay, Hannah, you wrote about the fleet of ships that are descending on New York's waters. We're talking about the big old fashioned looking ships with white sails that look straight out of a pirate movie. Can you explain why these ships are all appearing?

**Hannah Frishberg** (1:38)
Universal Fellowship, nautical celebration. It's a bunch of international ships coming together in unity. Think of it like the World Cup, but on the water and I guess not in competition.
But we did this for the Bicentennial, for the Lady of Liberty Centennial in 86 It's just a tradition to show good faith in international relations.

**Brigid Bergen** (2:01)
This is not the first time the boats, are these the same boats that usually come or we have seen come around Memorial Day? I think there was one here last Memorial Day, one of the tall ships.

**Hannah Frishberg** (2:12)
Most members of the public have not seen all of these ships. I believe there's about 150 in total. The Hudson is also about to be lined with naval vessels. It's going to be epic. I personally lived in New York my whole life and I don't think I've seen anything like this. It's like they're saying it's the biggest naval conglomeration to ever happen, which is an insane thing to prove.
Because we've been boating since time immemorial as a people's, but it's going to be huge.

**Brigid Bergen** (2:35)
So these boats are also going to be sticking around after the festivities on the 4th, is that right?

**Hannah Frishberg** (2:41)
Yes, after they parade down the East River tomorrow, and then on the 4th down the Hudson, that's the big one, they will be docked around the boroughs and they will be available for public touring. But you should register on sailforth.com.

**Brigid Bergen** (2:54)
Okay, so if you're interested in checking out the tall ships, you can go to the East River tomorrow, the Hudson on the 4th of July, and if you want to actually tour them, I guess, or people are allowed on the actual boats.

**Hannah Frishberg** (3:07)
Yeah, you can go walk around inside for free.

**Brigid Bergen** (3:10)
But you got to register.

**Hannah Frishberg** (3:11)
You should register.

**Brigid Bergen** (3:12)
What's the website again?

**Hannah Frishberg** (3:13)
Sailforth, that's the number four ,.com.

**Brigid Bergen** (3:16)
Sailforth, that makes sense. Okay, so this weekend is the hottest, the city's seen since 2010 I almost feel bad talking about it because I feel like we've been talking about the heat now nonstop.
If you're outside in the heat, get a drink of water. We're thinking of you. How can New Yorkers still celebrate outdoor festivities and stay safe?

**Hannah Frishberg** (3:36)
Well, the pools have extended hours. It's always fun to go hole up in a theater.
If you go to Coney, find some shade. But there's cooling centers across the city for if you are feeling unwell. The libraries also have extended hours.

**Brigid Bergen** (3:50)
That's great. Listeners, we are interested in what you're up to this weekend. How are you going to celebrate the 4th of July? What are some of your traditions? How are you going to stay cool? Are you going to go to a movie? Are you going to go to a show? Call or text us. The number is 212-433-9692.
That's 212-433-9692.
So let's talk about some ways if people want to stay indoors and avoid the heat. What are some of the activities people can participate in that let them stay in the air conditioning?

**Hannah Frishberg** (4:28)