CENTERVILLE -- The 40th annual Americana Fourth of July Festival is underway in Centerville despite the rainy weather.
Pitter, Patter. Pitter patter. While the drummers and ball players marched to the rhythm of the beat, the pitter patter of the rain swept under their feet
"Very wet," said parade goer Melizza Dominguez.
"It's not very good it's raining it's freezing," said her son. "I'm so cold."
"They have umbrellas they are prepared," said Anne Arisman, Publicity chairman.
Umbrellas & ponchos every which way. Organizers say a little rain wouldn't stop the 75,000 people and 100 volunteers that come every Independence Day.
"I think it is amazing that all of these people around here despite the rain it's still a beautiful day for the Americana Festival," said Arisman. "The turnout is still good, the streets are all lined, I've been very impressed."
"It beats last year it was like 100° I would rather have rain under an umbrella then hundred degrees," said one parade goer.
"As long as I can remember it's been hot and muggy today is a different interpretation of the fourth," said parade goer Doug Trout.
"A little rain doesn't hurt anybody," said parade goer Leeanne Breslin.
Except for the baby that didn't stop crying and the venders who wanted more people buying.
"The rain kind of screwed it up. It's cold and rainy so people don't want lemonade," said the stand organizer.
But the kids still wanna dance, and the dog still wants ice cream.
The kids still get on the pony's and the singers still do the karaoke.
So take a picture and walk as tall as you'd like.
Enjoy the burgers on the grill, cause sometimes the price is just right.
"You can't beat free hot dogs right," said representatives from a law firm handing out food. "We get up popcorn, lollipops, hotdogs."
But no matter what, don't forget why you came, it's he day of independence, America's 237th birthday.
"Rain or shine it's not going to rain on our parade," said Trout.
The fireworks are expected to start around 10:00. Organizers say the only way they'll cancel it is if there is lightning.
The festival included a mile long, 90-minute parade with more than 100 units, a street fair with more than 300 arts and crafts booths, an antique and classic car and truck show which attracts more than 150 vehicles, a special cost-free area just for children at Benham's Grove, a scholarship program, a 5K family run with more than 1,200 runners of all ages and physical abilities participating, entertainment and fireworks.
Connect with ABC 22/FOX 45 Reporter Wale Aliyu on Facebook and Twitter.
Pitter, Patter. Pitter patter. While the drummers and ball players marched to the rhythm of the beat, the pitter patter of the rain swept under their feet
"Very wet," said parade goer Melizza Dominguez.
"It's not very good it's raining it's freezing," said her son. "I'm so cold."
"They have umbrellas they are prepared," said Anne Arisman, Publicity chairman.
Umbrellas & ponchos every which way. Organizers say a little rain wouldn't stop the 75,000 people and 100 volunteers that come every Independence Day.
"I think it is amazing that all of these people around here despite the rain it's still a beautiful day for the Americana Festival," said Arisman. "The turnout is still good, the streets are all lined, I've been very impressed."
"It beats last year it was like 100° I would rather have rain under an umbrella then hundred degrees," said one parade goer.
"As long as I can remember it's been hot and muggy today is a different interpretation of the fourth," said parade goer Doug Trout.
"A little rain doesn't hurt anybody," said parade goer Leeanne Breslin.
Except for the baby that didn't stop crying and the venders who wanted more people buying.
"The rain kind of screwed it up. It's cold and rainy so people don't want lemonade," said the stand organizer.
But the kids still wanna dance, and the dog still wants ice cream.
The kids still get on the pony's and the singers still do the karaoke.
So take a picture and walk as tall as you'd like.
Enjoy the burgers on the grill, cause sometimes the price is just right.
"You can't beat free hot dogs right," said representatives from a law firm handing out food. "We get up popcorn, lollipops, hotdogs."
But no matter what, don't forget why you came, it's he day of independence, America's 237th birthday.
"Rain or shine it's not going to rain on our parade," said Trout.
The fireworks are expected to start around 10:00. Organizers say the only way they'll cancel it is if there is lightning.
The festival included a mile long, 90-minute parade with more than 100 units, a street fair with more than 300 arts and crafts booths, an antique and classic car and truck show which attracts more than 150 vehicles, a special cost-free area just for children at Benham's Grove, a scholarship program, a 5K family run with more than 1,200 runners of all ages and physical abilities participating, entertainment and fireworks.
Connect with ABC 22/FOX 45 Reporter Wale Aliyu on Facebook and Twitter.