The Fourth of July is this weekend, and celebrations for America's 250th birthday have already kicked off across Central Indiana.
Festivities started last weekend at Spark!Fishers at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. Guests were treated to a street festival, a car show, a parade, and fireworks.
Melissa Schulman wore a star-spangled shirt to the event. Schulman said for her, the Fourth of July represents freedom.
"Freedom of our country, and getting out, enjoying the fireworks, and just having a good time for the weekend," she said.
Schulman said it's exciting to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
"I think it's neat that it's been that long," she said, "and what we have accomplished in the world and the United States."
Food vendors like Anne Dinkel dished meals out on the other side of the amphitheater. Dinkel has owned and operated Bay Area Bistro, which serves Filipino food, for eight years.
"It's a gathering of everybody, all culture. So, a lot of people, as you could see, it's diverse now," Dinkel said. "I'm happy to see that."
Dinkel's business will be in Avon on July 3 for Avon's Night at the Park, and in Fishers again on Saturday.
Joe Vosburgh, who has been operating Almost Paradise Farm since 2004, was nearby serving burgers made from grass-fed beef.
"This is just a great time to come out," Vosburgh said. "A lot of great families, and a beautiful evening, and just [to] celebrate 250 years of America."
Almost Paradise Farm plans to make upcoming appearances at Carmel Fest and in Westfield.
The city of Franklin will have its Independence Celebration from Thursday to Sunday at Lions Legend Park. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will have its Star-Spangled Symphony at Conner Prairie July 2 – 4.
Downtown Indy Fourth Fest is Saturday on the American Legion Mall. And Spark!Fishers rescheduled its concert and drone show to July 31.
Contact WFYI reporting intern Daniel Huber at dhuber@wfyi.org
