Residents of Plant City came together Tuesday with plenty of southern charm to celebrate Independence Day as the annual July 4th festival wrapped up with a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the night sky. The stadium served as the backdrop for the festivities, where families and friends gathered to enjoy an evening filled with patriotic fun, food and entertainment.
Live musical performances by local bands provided the perfect soundtrack for the evening event. The festive atmosphere fostered a sense of togetherness, as people from all walks of life mingled and shared their love of country.
As the sun set below the western skyline, anticipation grew for the fireworks display. The show left spectators both young and old in awe as a kaleidoscope of colors exploded in the sky accompanied by thunderous booms that reverberated throughout the stadium.
Parks and Recreation Director Julie Garretson was thankful for her staff’s hard work, including special event coordinator Ivanna Ibarra. “Ivanna did an incredible job growing the event offering more vendors, food trucks and plenty of activities,” she said. “We are estimating that about 7,000 to 8,000 people were in attendance and we’ve gotten great feedback from residents that were in attendance.”
One of those residents was Kim Kokoszka Kinder.
“The event was so organized and well run and it was so easy getting into and out of the stadium,” said Kinder.
She loved the fireworks show. “It was awesome,” she said.
As the last firework in the finale faded away, residents left the stadium with hearts full of cherished memories and a sense of community and national pride.