As the red sun, white clouds and blue sky gave way to the dark of the night on Thursday, July 4, thousands of people set up their lawn chairs and coolers along the edges of U.S. Highway 31 in Athens and looked to the skies for the yearly countywide fireworks show — Red, White & Boom.

The nearly 17-minute long show, which started around 9 p.m. due to vendor preparations and safety precautions, wowed the thousands of people who arrived hours earlier to take part in the night’s action.

“I’ve been coming to this fireworks show since 1981, and it feels like every year has been bigger and bigger,” Paul Sharritt, Athens resident, told The News Courier on Thursday night. “I’ve been in the military myself. This holiday is one of the few times a year this many people come together to remember all the sacrifices made to ensure their freedoms.”

The nation celebrated the Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, as the establishment of the United States due to the ratification of the Declaration of Independence nearly 248 years ago on July 4, 1776.

“Without that day all those years ago, we would not be where we are now,” chairman of the Limestone County Commission Collin Daly said. “I wonder if our forefathers ever dreamed of us accomplishing so much. We still have our problems, just like everybody else, but we are truly blessed beyond measure to live in the United States of America.”

Countless fireworks lit the night sky in various colors — notably the most prevalent of which were the patriotic colors of red, white and blue.

Still, the most impactive aspect of the night were the repetitive booms of each firework as they filled the air, echoing and lingering between the cheers and the silent admiration from the thousands in attendance who packed near places such as Athens Middle School, the Central Church of Christ and Athens High School.

“Our community has gotten accustomed to having a great show, and that’s all put together and made possible by the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association,” Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks said. “There was a large crowd, you had so many people come out for the first time and really enjoy themselves.”

Visitors parked wherever they could find room, making driving along U.S. Highway 31 almost unbearable. Athens City police officers helped ease the traffic, guiding eventgoers to their respective areas such as the Central City Church of Christ and the Sportsplex.

The droves of people emphasized the constant growth of both Athens and Limestone County, as hundreds of families from different ethnic backgrounds and walks of life joined together to celebrate the holiday.

“People are moving into Athens and Limestone County from all over, and they are constantly looking for events to do with their family,” Marks said. “It was really another great event for the people of our community.”

The city recommended areas such as both the Athens Middle and High School parking lots, as well as Swan Creek Park, for people to set up at. However, as hundreds of people flooded those areas early on people resorted to any open space they could find.

People set up a place to watch the fireworks show in restaurant parking lots, gas stations and even local cemeteries. Wherever they had a good spot to watch, they were taking it without hesitation.

“Although it was extremely hot earlier in the day, people still set up with their families under the shade for a fun night,” Marks said. “I saw people bringing games and picnics out as they waited on the show. It was another great show for us and we are already looking forward to the next one.”

The Red, White & Boom fireworks show has been a staple of the Athens and Limestone County Community for many years, according to Marks the event has been going on for longer than even he can remember.

As the city and county continue to have successes like Thursday night, which was evident in the number of people who came out, they will look to make it even better for future events.

“Next year we will try to incorporate more of a festival in with it next year,” Daly said. “It’s always good to see kids out playing and having a good time. Events like these bring the community together, and anytime you can get everybody in unity you should want to build on it.”