Children twirled glow sticks. Their parents sprawled on blankets.
This scene could be found in the grass on the Mormon Visitors Center grounds in Independence Saturday night as multitudes enjoyed Independence's annual fireworks celebration.
"This was really good," said Sharon Orton, of Independence. "It's been like two years since we've been here, but we're glad we came here tonight. What a celebration."
She never thought about what it meant to be in Independence on the Fourth of July, watching the sky illuminate. But perhaps the festivities took on a special meaning.
Orton is a Mormon.
"This is a good piece of property and we know it," she said, "and the fireworks just added to it. I felt at peace."
Trina Orton, who accompanied Sharon, said she liked "everything" about the event, from the fireworks to the Spirit of Independence concert band that provided around two hours of patriotic music.
"We come here regularly, probably the last five or six years," said Tom Carlise, of Raytown.
There's no show in Raytown, so they always enjoy the Independence show.
The couple were strategic about where they set up the lawn chairs. They were on the edge of the parking lot near the band and the lawn. All they had to do was flip the chairs around to see the fireworks after the band wrapped up playing.
