The Liberty Festival in Lewiston and Auburn went off with a bang Tuesday evening. From Veterans Memorial Park in Lewiston across the Androscoggin River to Great Falls Plaza in Auburn, local folks and visitors alike celebrated 247 years of American independence.

While most showed up for the festivities, especially the fireworks, deep reflection brought out the real reason for coming together: liberty, independence and respect for those who have fought and continue to fight for American freedom.

“And don’t forget it’s America’s birthday,” James Billings said.

Billings and his wife, Kathy Evans, set up chairs a couple hours before the festivities, waiting for the clouds to part and the sun to shine. Evans motioned to her shirt when asked what the day means to her: “Faith, Family, Freedom.”

“My adopted son was in the Air Force for 14 years as an MP. He did six tours,” Evans said. “My dad was a Navy man, my grandfather was in the Coast Guard and they’re all sergeants or above. We’re big patriots.”

The Kelley Family arrives early and finds a prime spot to watch the bands and fireworks while socializing with people during Tuesday’s Liberty Festival in Lewiston. From left are Vicki Kelley, her husband, Michael, and their daughter Samantha. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Evans said she used to play music with Craig Rivas, one of the trio who was on stage kicking off the festival. Rivas and Bill Proctor and Josh Hatfield make up CBJ Entertainment, a country/oldies/pop trio.

For some, July 4 is all about family. Nichole Mancini drove 30 hours to Maine, first stopping in North Carolina so she could spend time with family she has not seen in four years.

“Of course, Fourth of July means freedom and independence,” Mancini said. “But red hot dogs – you can’t get them in Oklahoma!”

Shawnney Seng summed up the holiday in simple terms while chasing his kids around the tank in Veterans Memorial Park: “All I think of when I think ‘July 4th’ is ‘freedom.’”

DJ Scotty Dawg kept the buzz going with a dance party in Great Falls Plaza after CBJ finished, and award-winning Elvis Presley impersonator Robert Washington kept the beat going back across the river. Country Roads picked up around 8 p.m. to round off the evening before the 9:30 p.m. fireworks.

Food truck and food stand options included Vittles & Variety, Cruzin Slice, Roaming Eats, El Gordo Taqueria, Boba, Jeff’s Jamaican Cuisine and Lucky Cat Café. Concessions included M&M Concessions, Nash Family Concessions and Exchange Club of Auburn.