Fourth of July is all about fun, but for some, it's all seriousness—well, as serious as two dozen people dressed as Uncle Sam running, bouncing, and hula-hooping can get.
Over 20 people complete in Uncle Sam attire ran, hop-scotched, hula-hooped, and bounced to the finish line on Wednesday as part of a July Fourth celebration at South Street Sea Port. The contestants were required to complete a series of obstacles while rushing toward the finish line as part of the main highlight of the annual Freedom Fest.
Complete with red-striped pants, top hat, and the classic Uncle Sam jacket, the contestants were first required to hopscotch, after which came the hula hoop. A moderator kept track of every move to prevent potential cheating. The last segment of the race required the contestants to bounce on large blue bouncing balls at least five times to the finish line.
The prize? One year of mortgage or rent paid for by T-Mobile, the event's sponsor.
Ken Londono of New Jersey was the lucky participant who bounced his way to the finish line, beating out over 20 others who were close behind him.
Originally, Londono had no intention of joining the competition or attending the festival. He was accompanying a friend who was visiting from Chicago, and was lured to the festival by the prospect of free food.
"I didn't want to come at first," says Londono. "But my friend wanted to go so I was, like, 'Hey, free hot dogs! Why not?' Plus, I can have my rent paid for a year so it seemed like a good idea."
After passing the finish line, an ecstatic Londono was congratulated by former New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms, who was a guest at the festival.
According to Londono, the one year free rent helped him with his plans that he had put on hold.
"I wanted to go traveling for year but I didn't have the money," says Londono. "Now that my rent's being paid for, I'm going to travel to Brazil and then go to India for six months."
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