Fourth of July celebration on the 5th

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - After a seven-year hiatus the First Assembly of Lafayette brought back its annual Independence Celebration. Thousands gathered for food, fun and a spectacle in the sky.

"Around the Fourth of July we usually have six or seven demonstrations," said skydiver George Capitanio.

After a soggy Fourth of July the warm weather made the celebration more enjoyable.

First Assembly underwrites the cost of the festival. It was free and open to the public and included games, music, and local food vendors.

"We contacted the businesspeople of this area here because we want to help them out and everybody we asked says 'Yes we want to be there because we've heard what it's like and we want to be a part of it,'" said Pastor George Hackett.

James Whiteford used to attend the event every year. He says he is happy about its return this year.

"The skydivers, I love that. I've never seen those fireworks before," he said.

After an evening of food, games and fun, everyone packed in to watch the fireworks display.

"I think that they really represent America and how great America is," Sid Mullendore said.

Pastor Hackett said the event was such a success they hope to keep the annual tradition going year after year.