Shore Things
Sunday July 4th at 1:00 p.m. on WPBT2
This program takes a look at America's vacation-at-the-beach culture and how the shore attracts all kinds: water babies, metal-detector operators and sun-worshippers. Its mixture of historical facts with current trends and observations showcases our infatuation with sand, surf and sun. Beaches all over America are highlighted, including Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Ocean City, Maryland; Daytona Beach, Florida; Venice, California; and several beaches in Hawaii.

A Hot Dog Program
Sunday July 4th at 4:00 p.m. on WPBT2
This documentary is an all-American celebration of what may be the country’s most popular food. From Fairfield, Connecticut, to Los Angeles, California, the program visits some of the nation’s coolest hot dog places, taking viewers inside a giant hot dog-shaped building, stopping at some crazy late-night stands and looking at how hot dogs are made. The special also considers how and when hot dogs became so popular - and surveys the toppings that go on them.

Great Old Amusement Parks
Sunday July 4th at 5:00 p.m. on WPBT2
Long before the days of giant theme parks, the United States had many amusement parks where families gathered for a cool escape on a hot summer day. This program celebrates these pre-Disney parks, visiting Playland in Rye, New York; Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana; and California’s Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where vacationers can still reach for the brass ring on the merry-go-round. The special also checks out some old wooden roller coasters and other classic rides. Rick Sebak narrates.