Virginia Beach city leaders said that more than 33,000 residents rely on the tourism industry for work, and all prepared for an influx of tourists on the Fourth.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Beach city leaders expected nearly 10,000 people for their Fourth of July fireworks show, and the crowds did not disappoint. 

A beautiful fireworks display filled the ocean air in Virginia Beach on Friday evening. Many people camped out all day to secure a waterfront spot, telling 13News Now that it was well worth the wait. 

Oceanfront business owners said this holiday weekend fuels their bottom line while they help people make lifelong memories. 

City leaders in Virginia Beach said more than 33,000 residents rely on the tourism industry for work. In 2023, visitors poured $2.5 billion into the Virginia Beach economy.

“The Fourth of July weekend is critical,” said D. Nachnani, owner of Coastal Edge and President of the Atlantic Avenue Association.

Nachnani said the economic boost from the Fourth of July weekend provides a cushion for business owners to breathe comfortably in the winter months, which see fewer tourist dollars.

“A lot of our businesses rely on the months of July and August, for a successful season. A disproportionate amount of income comes from the Fourth of July weekend,” said Nachnani.

Local staples like Chicho’s on 29th Street welcome the boom in business but added that it needs to be planned for.

“This week, we’ve prepared about 400 pounds of pizza dough. We’ll sell out each day, probably. We’ll have to make another 150 pounds each day minimum, if not more,” said Matt Porter, the operating owner of Chicho’s.

Porter added, “The number of people down here that are wearing red, white, and blue, and the staff make money, everyone’s having a good time down here.”

For families, a day on the beach means lifelong memories and money well spent.

Jose Segura brought his family to the beach early on the Fourth and said it was worth the wait and drive.

“We wanted to come celebrate the Fourth of July on the beach. We got here around 7:30 this morning to get a good spot, and just spend the whole day at the beach until the fireworks,” Segura said.

It was a successful hosting of the Fourth of July, business owners said, especially since there is a sense of pride in a town with such deep military roots.