City celebrates Fourth with fireworks show
Published 1:47 pm Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Celebrate America brought plenty of fireworks Friday night — and all the right kind.
In past years, thunderstorms with heavy winds have forced postponements of the hometown festival.
Much to the delight of Francine Wasden, Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce executive director, that wasn’t the case this year.
“It didn’t storm. We got that light rain which cooled everybody off. But no storm,” Wasden said with a big grin.
A few attendees abandoned the field and bleachers of Tiger Stadium when the showers arrived shortly after 8 p.m. However, most stayed put, employing umbrellas, hats, picnic blankets, even boxes and Frisbees to stay reasonably dry while they waited out the rain.
Following the Presentation of Colors by Scout Troop 520 and Tera Simmons’ performance of the National Anthem, the Pyrotecnico fireworks display began on schedule. The show elicited many “oohs,” “aahs” and loud applause as its rockets lit up the night sky with a multitude of vivid colors.
“This was definitely our biggest and best fireworks show yet,” Wasden said.
Prior to the display, David Norrell and Kyle Haynes of Q-94’s “Kyle and Dave” show provided entertainment, holding trivia contests, “Simon Says” and getting attendees of all ages on their feet ready to boogie down to favorite line dance tunes.
Lines also formed in front of the Wind Creek “Good to Go” hospitality truck to sample their freshly prepared barbecue chicken and pork plates and other tasty treats, with all proceeds going to the Butler County Humane Society. The “Good to Go” servers said they were kept busy all evening and expected it would prove a very profitable one for the local charity.
Celebrate America attendees also enjoyed free ice water, lemonade and watermelon slices, with Air Jumpz’s water slide and bouncy castle drawing youngsters to slip, slide and jump to their hearts’ content.
“This is an event that is great for all ages and it is wonderful to see everyone having a good time in their hometown,” said Wasden.
Country Place Senior Living was chief sponsor of the 2015 Celebrate America, joined by nearly 20 local businesses and organizations. The annual event is a co-production of the City of Greenville and the Chamber.