SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Fourth of July has the community outside celebrating through cookouts and BBQ's and family time. Hundreds attend East Longmeadow 4th of July parade This is one tradition that many Americans partake in during this holiday. Families brought out the grills, snacks, games, hammocks and lawn chairs at Forest Park Thursday. Marilyn Sanchez of Springfield and her husband were on the grills, she told 22News that this day is all about celebrating Independence Day and enjoying some quality time with the family, "We're doing a cookout with the grandson, with my husband, with the family enjoying while we are here." "Just with the family, grilling some burgers and some chicken and some steaks too. So we are going to have fun today," said Richard Marrero of Springfield. Hot dogs and hamburgers are also popular on the Fourth of July menu. The holiday celebrations will continue into Thursday night as many families go see their local firework shows. Local News The Caesar salad was invented 100 years ago, but where? 77th annual 4th of July Fest held in Chesterfield 55 people sworn in as new U.S. citizens in Northampton Feeding Hills resident shares 4th of July memory he’ll never forget WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.