GETTYSBURG, Pa. — Hundreds of people flocked to the Gettysburg Rec Park for the 4th Annual Gettysburg Independence Day Celebration. The event drew in people from across Central Pa., as well as people from out of state.
“It takes about an hour-thirty to get here from Martinsburg, but it is well worth it," said Christian Ayala, who drove up to Gettysburg from West Virginia with his family. "It’s like a second home for us, one hundred percent.”
People ate from food trucks and listened to live music as they waited for the fireworks show. Some of them even came to the park hours beforehand to ensure they got the best view of the fireworks.
“You don’t want to be late and not have your prime seating spot, so it’s definitely good to get here early," said Erin McNamara, who came to the show from Carlisle.
Over the years, the celebrations have turned into an annual tradition for friends and family to come together and celebrate our nation's founding.
“It’s just a time, once a year, where we know we can get together and we all have off work, and we can make lots of food and hang out," said Suni Jauga, who has been to every Gettysburg Independence Day Celebration.
People were occasionally forced to break out the umbrella, as scattered showers passed through Gettysburg leading up to the fireworks show. Despite this, people said the wait was worth it in order to see the fireworks light up the night sky.
"Even with the rain, it didn't stop people from coming," said Devante Medina.