MOSES LAKE - Family, friends, food and fireworks brought people together yesterday in McCosh Park as hundreds turned out for Moses Lake's annual Independence Day celebration.

Add some big band music and glow sticks and you've got a full-on community celebration.

Dawn Severin, of Ephrata, said that enjoys watching people in the park.

"Just seeing all the families and watching the fireworks, but also spending time with kids," said the mother of three.

"Moses Lake is just the perfect location. It's crowded, but not too crowded, and not overwhelmed with people. It's a really nice, calming and relaxing environment," she said.

Most people were claiming their plot along the banks of Moses Lake to watch the show, which commenced around dusk.

But in the hours that proceeded the rockets' red glare, Katie Brezil said she was enjoying the activities around the park.

"It just seems really calm," the Moses Lake resident said. "Usually when we take our kids out they don't really say a whole lot. But here the kids are really nice. I like it here."

The Boise-based High Street Band were on hand to perform live entertainment, as well as other local acts.

Children had the chance to participate in a flag ceremony while the National Anthem was performed behind them.

Which Reece Robinson, of Moses Lake, said represents the entire meaning of Independence Day:

"Freedom," he said. "And the guys who went to the service and did their duty well.

"The liberty that we have today is all because of those who came before us," he said while attending his grill.

"It doesn't have to be the Fourth to barbecue,"  he said. "But the Fourth is a great day for it."