Photo 1: With an crowd estimated in excess of 30,000, Alachua’s population tripled for a few hours as the city’s 4^th of July celebration drew spectators from throughout Alachua County and beyond.

Dubbed the “largest small town fireworks display in America,” Alachua’s 12^th Annual July 4^th celebration lived up to its name.  As the only public fireworks display in the area, the event is estimated to have attracted some 30,000 spectators.  That’s up from the estimated 22,000 believed to have been in attendance in 2010.

By 7:30 p.m. Monday evening, police officers at the event parking field were reportedly turning away motorists.  But limited parking didn’t stop many people from watching the show from anywhere and everywhere in and around the city.  Many claimed spots at the Lowe’s parking lot, a high point in the city.  Others watched from two-mile traffic backup on Interstate 75.

Not a single drop of rain threatened the event’s success this year.  The City’s splash park and two huge waterslides, one that is nearly 30 feet tall and 65 feet in length offered a welcomed reprieve from the blazing heat.

For those looking for a cooler, but drier break, the gym was the place to be.  While refreshing in the air conditioning, festivalgoers enjoyed games of Bingo, a performance by Alachua Senior Cha-Cha-Chas and smooth jazz by Bill Rogers & Friends

Youngsters got rid of some excess energy at Kidz Corner, where they were thrilled with nonstop fun, entertainment and activities.

For the older and the bit more daring, there was the annual Rib Eating Contest during which the winner ate roughly two pounds of the lip smacking ribs in the timed event.

On the main stage, the event was emceed by Vice Mayor Ben Boukari, Jr. who welcomed everyone to the “Largest Small Town Fireworks Display in America.”  The Independence Day celebration featured an all-star lineup of local talent including The Mainstays, Lil Mike & the Tornadoes, Jamocracy and Jamie Davis and Roadhouse Live.

As daylight began fading, Mayor Gib Coerper and City Manager Traci Cain offered final welcoming messages to the tens of thousands of visitors in attendance.  The area’s own Antoinette Hunt performed a patriotic tribute and the National Anthem as the City’s public works crew raised a massive American flag on the boom of a bucket truck.

Hunt’s performance served as the kickoff for the display for which every spectator had been waiting.  Fred Hilton and the Detonators lit up the night’s sky with a spectacular fireworks show that did not disappoint.  Lasting about 30 minutes, the colorful explosions captured the attention of those in the crowd as they looked skyward in anticipation of the ground shaking grand finale that could be felt to the bone.

“This event has gotten better and better every year, and I think this is the best ever thanks to the City staff, our volunteers and Fred and The Detonators,” Coerper said.