Thousands of people came to the Elizabeth waterfront on Tuesday for the Fourth of July celebrations.

The holiday event was almost rained out. Storms tore across Union County on Tuesday, prompting some towns to postpone their fireworks events.

Elizabeth officials say that last year’s event brought in around 15,000 people. They are hoping for more this year.

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"Whenever people come together to celebrate one thing it makes me feel like everybody is loved at one point,” says Zaid Pretlow Jackson, of Elizabeth.

The event saw large crowds, food options and other fun activities all by the water.

The storms cleared out by Tuesday evening, so many fireworks events were able to go on as planned.