ORLANDO, Fla. – Rain and storms didn’t dampen the patriotic spirit in downtown Orlando Friday night as thousands lined Lake Eola to watch “Fireworks at the Fountain” light up the sky for the nation’s 250th birthday.
Families staked out spots along the lake for live music, games and vendors — with kids shooting hoops and getting face paint before the fireworks began.
Umi, visiting Orlando, said celebrating the Fourth of July in the U.S. for the first time with family made the night special. “Seeing the fireworks and being out here with my family and my friends, it gets me happy in my heart,” she said.
Others said the event is a tradition that brings people together. “America is the land of immigrants — we’re all from different places,” one attendee said. “It’s great to be out here and celebrating diversity and how far we’ve come.”
Ann Mary, an Orlando resident, called the Lake Eola show a must-see. “It’s so iconic that if you’re in this area you’re going to want to be here,” she said.
Kids were especially fired up for the main event. Violet Anstey, visiting Orlando, said she was most excited for the fireworks “because they’re noisy, loud and pretty,” adding, “It’s so amazing. I love Orlando.”
Despite earlier thunder and lightning, the crowd stayed — eating barbecue, playing games and waiting for the fireworks to start. Another visitor, Liz Tibensky, said she went all out in patriotic gear “to show camaraderie and togetherness.”