Rain doesn't stop Stars & Stripes

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Despite the rain, the show went on at the Stars and Stripes celebration on Slayter Hill. Those who braved the rain showers said nothing could keep them from watching the live music and fireworks in the sky.

It was umbrellas instead of sparklers at the annual Fourth of July celebration. Rain showers seemed to linger throughout the day. Malcolm Duncan watched the weather radar with hopes the rain would pass. As Director of the Tippecanoe Ancient Fife and Drum Corps he said playing the Fourth of July for a home audience is only fitting.

"It's definitely a time for fifing and drumming. In fact, as I was emailing all our folks about getting the gig, together I was saying, you know this is the Fourth of the July and you are in a fife and drum corps, you should expect to be busy," he said.

The free aspect enticed many people to stick it out despite the wet conditions.

"This year we thought instead of buying the stuff at home we'd come out here in do it in public," Dayton resident Doug Willis said.

"It's just such an awesome event, live entertainment and and it's for free, who could pass that up," Lafayette resident Aubrey Bowditch said.

For people like Clara Bush, the real meaning of Fourth of July was on their minds.

"I just think it means celebrating our independence. Actually two years ago I was in England for the Fourth of July which was slightly ironic. But it about celebrating we have our freedom," she said.

But at the Stars and Stripes celebration it is the main event at dusk that brings many spectators back every year.