Locals enjoy Fourth festivities

By Nathan Dean
Editor in Chief

Despite the threat of rain, the fireworks got underway.

"Looking at the sky, I am now a little bit worried. My mother doesn't move around very well so if it rains, we are going to get drenched," said Bob Munson, a native of Danville, Calif.

Around 4,000 people gathered at Slayter Center to see the Stars and Stripes concert. The concert, which featured the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra conducted by Anne Harrigan, promoted many patriotic songs such as "Stars and Stripes Forever" and "The American Dream."

Perhaps the most moving moment of the night was when the orchestra along with the Greater Lafayette Freedom Singers, directed by Dick Jawger, sang the anthems of the armed services, with veterans asked to rise during their own song.

Many others just came out to have a good time.

Matt Cummings, a native of Albany, Ky., who came to West Lafayette because his sister was participating in a basketball camp, said that the festivities were a lot larger than he expected. He also said that he came because his parents forced him too.

"It's big, real big, we don't have a celebration this large. I was expecting a much smaller crowd and celebration," he said.

While there were many citizens from out of state, the majority of people came from the Lafayette area.

Ralph Morehouse and his wife both rode their bicycles to the concert because of the nice weather.

"I just came out here to enjoy it all," said Morehouse.

It all started with a quote from Greg Zawisza, director of special projects for the office of University relations and master of ceremonies, who said, "Since it is the midway of the year, this is a time to reflect and hope for the dreams of the future," said Zawisza.

Other parts of the concert featured musical selections from a wide variety of sources. The "Star Wars theme," by John Williams, led the ensemble that finished with the "1812 Overture" by Tchaikovsky.

Also included was a sing along with the crowd, with sounds such as "Back Home Again in Indiana" and "Hail Purdue."