Thousands gathered at White Plains High School for the city's annual Independence Day celebration on Tuesday.

Organizers estimated that around 8,000 people attended the event.

They came for the food, the fun and the fireworks.

White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach said he's attended the show every year since he's been mayor, and added that he was excited for people to celebrate the holiday early as a community.

"After all we went through with COVID-19, just being with each other again feels really special," Roach said.

White Plains officials warned people that several seating and parking areas that were used in the past are off-limits this year due to construction at the high school.