- September 22, 2024
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Brian, Emily, Anakin and Isaac Rinehard. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Idilia and Barry Hall. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Hector Cosme, Brayden Cosme and Margie Driscoll. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Chris, Emma and Stacy Colby. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Marianne and Jeff Babiez. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Josh Hernandez and Carol Boyd. Photo by Nichole Osinski
A "live" Statue of Liberty at the Port Orange July 4 celebration. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Much like last year's Fourth of July celebration at Port Orange's City Center, the area around the lake was full of people, many decked out in red, white and blue, enjoying the evening as well as the company of friends and family.
While waiting for Wednesday's main event of fireworks at 9 p.m., some people relaxed on picnic blankets on the grass while others enjoyed live music at the stadium and browsed the display of cars lining the pathway. And for each person, the day had its own personal meaning for why they were celebrating.
For Josh Hernandez, the day was an opportunity to celebrate the country's forefathers and what they achieved. For Margie Driscoll, July 4 was also about spending time with the people she was with that day.
"It's a time to celebrate with family and celebrate being in the United States and what we have and to be grateful." Margie Driscoll
"It's a time to celebrate with family and celebrate being in the United States and what we have and to be grateful," Driscoll said. "Because that's what we're grateful for, so it kind of brings it all together."
Jeff Babiez, a veteran, said he has seen the meaning of the day change from mainly focusing on the country's independence to having more of an emphasis on honoring the men and women who have served their country.
One of those men, Barry Hall, who was at City Center with his wife, Idilia Hall, saw the holiday as not just a single day but a remembrance of all the events and people that have led to this annual celebration.
"It means everything to me; I'm a very patriotic American," Hall said. "I spent 22 years as an Air Force brat, 23 years active Air Force and another 27 as a veteran in Port Orange. It means everything in my life."
