By Tara Kyle
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MIDTOWN WEST — Despite the city's patriotic offerings this July 4 weekend, many Manhattanites were hastily boarding trains, buses and any other means of transport out of town Friday afternoon.
Teacher Kristin Flagg, 30, was among those waiting in the long bus lines outside Penn Station Friday, en route to her family in Philadelphia.
“Part of me feels like a bad New Yorker, cause I’ve never gone on the river and seen the fireworks,” said Flagg, who lives in Harlem. "That and the Macy's day parade are two things all New Yorkers have to do."
Those who do stick around for July 4’s revelry will have to battle the usual packs of rowdy crowds along the waterfront and aboard the subway.
“Of course you’re always going to have a few knuckleheads that like to spoil the party for a few, but for the most part, it’s a good thing,” said Hamilton Heights resident Elliot Santiago, 47.
Crackling fireworks aside, Queens resident Anthony Synsmi, 42, said that his favorite aspect of the holiday is how it highlights “unity, the way we all stick together.”
The annual Macy's fireworks show is slated for 9 p.m. on Sunday.
