Thousands of people of all ages crowded into Yeonas Park in Vienna July 2 to partake of the town’s annual Independence Day celebration, and judging by their reactions, the show was a hit.
Revelers arrived largely on foot, as police had blocked most vehicular access in the immediate neighborhood. Many in the crowd carried blankets or chairs to make their fireworks viewing more comfortable. As was the case last year, the town held the event a couple of days before the Fourth of July because of scheduling challenges with the fireworks vendor.
Area residents enjoyed hearing tunes belted out by the Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band and gorged themselves on food they’d brought or purchased from food trucks selling ribs and fish dishes.
As the skies darkened in the twilight, teens tossed beach balls and flirted before the fireworks show began. The vendor launched the pyrotechnics from nearby Southside Park and town officials cordoned off one of the Yeonas Park ballfields to provide an additional buffer.
The sunset gave way to cobalt-blue skies with just a few clouds and the crowd cheered as colorful, loud fireworks burst overhead.
