Thousands of people filled the streets of East Longmeadow for the annual 4th of July parade, despite the rain.

Hiding under umbrellas, tents and even towels, it was hard for many parade-goers to get into the 4th of July spirit. "I'm a little upset, I wasn't thinking it would be raining, I wanted to be warm and I'm not happy about that," says Laura Kuphal of Longmeadow.

"I have a son that lives in Las Vegas and its over 100 there, here I am with a blanket and umbrella," says Phyliss Hopewell of South Hadley.

Hopewell braved the wet weather with her daughter who just moved to East Longmeadow from Florida. And she's already getting the taste of New England weather. "That's New England, wait five minutes and it will change," adds Hopewell.

But the rain didn't put a damper on what 4th of July is all about, spending time with friends and family, and being thankful for our independence. Even if it means celebrating under umbrellas. "The 4th of July is our nations holiday of being thankful and celebration for the independence we now enjoy," says West Springfield resident, Evelyn Shore.