[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Hundreds of thousands of people braved tight security along New York City’s East River to watch the annual Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks display.

Minneapolis resident Joe Cunningham said Saturday’s fireworks show was “awesome” and lived up to his family’s expectations.

Cunningham said New York’s show will be the benchmark for all other fireworks displays.

Nefertiti Perry of Manhattan brought her three children to the show. She said they were “so excited” to see it.

Macy’s said the 25-minute show featured more than 50,000 shells set off from five barges on the river.

The fireworks show was broadcast on NBC.

The tight security included officers searching backpacks and purses. Other officers used handheld radiation detectors to scan baby carriages and large suitcases.

PHOTOS VIA NYPD CHIEF JOSEPH FOX:

(AP)