As the lingering smoke from the Canadian wildfires continues to impact New Jersey and the Jersey Shore, it is not stopping many from going out to enjoy their summer.

News 12 crews saw many people out at Pier Village in Long Branch enjoying their afternoon and evening on Thursday.

“We planned this a couple of weeks ago. We kept the plan, we weren’t sure with the smoke, but it’s much better down here,” says one Mendham resident.

The crowds at Pier Village were smaller than they normally would be this time of year. But conditions were a bit clearer on Thursday than they were on Wednesday. Wednesday saw yellow and orange haze in the sky due to the smoky air.

“It was crazy. Today is much better…everything was yellow, the weather was crazy,” says a Long Branch resident. “I didn’t come out. It was horrible.”

“Yesterday it looked like heavy fog. It smelled like burning wood,” says Josh Lubitz, of Oceanport.”

Many businesses were closed on Wednesday. Some schools did not open on Thursday. Many outdoor events were canceled.

Those with health issues, the elderly and children are urged to remain indoors as much as possible until the air quality conditions improve.