Despite evening rain, Stars and Stripes Forever Celebration pulls off amazing fireworks display and fills Dublin Park with plenty of fun

MADISON – Despite a temporary delay in the Stars and Stripes Forever July 4th Celebration in Madison Thursday, the grand finale fireworks show went off without a hitch. The display was much larger this year, filling the sky over Dublin Park with brilliant colors in an assortment of designs.

Crowds still turned out for the annual tradition, even though a steady drizzle of rain persisted through the show after a thunderstorm shut the festival down for a couple of years. Before the ran began, visitors to the celebration enjoyed a large selection inflatable rides for the kids, live music from the classic rock band Cruze, food vendors, games and a cornhole tournament.

“We are having a great time,” said Toney resident Daryl Patton, who operated a booth selling roasted corn on the cob and funnel cakes. “This festival is always a lot of fun for us.”

A little after 5 p.m., the celebration was temporarily shut down as a thunderstorm approached and lightening began striking nearby. Visitors were required to leave the park’s soccer field #1, where the festivities were being held. Many waited out the storm in Dublin Park’s nearby gym.

Fortunately, the threat of lightening passed about an hour before the fireworks display was scheduled and the field reopened.

This year’s show was orchestrated by a new company for the celebration. Madison Parks and Recreation Director Cory Alfred decided to switch to Pyro Shows, Inc. for this year’s show and the move paid off. “It was amazing,” said one spectator after the show. “So much better than last year. It was great!”

Click here to see video clip from the show.