Rockets' red glare over crowds at Columbus State University.
(Photo: Dave Bender)
Columbus, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama celebrated a joyous July 4th along the Chattahoochee River at the “Thunder On The Hooch,” celebration.
Spectators packed the downtown river walks and the Dillingham bridge connecting the cities, from early afternoon until late Wednesday night, waiting for the fireworks show to start.
A family and children gaze up at the sky show.
(Photo: Dave Bender)
Meanwhile, families thronged spinning amusement park rides and painted their faces with American flags and sparkles, as the afternoon settled to dusk.
At the Phenix City amphitheater, local musicians and entertainers performed for the audience, who filled the stepped arena facing the water. A concert band played patriotic melodies and the themes of the branches of the US armed forces.
The crowd cheered and applauded as the first fireworks blasted into the sky from the Columbus side at 9:30, and didn't stop until the final blast and bang echoed across the Chattahoochee.
A spectator watches the show. (Photo: Dave Bender)
