From young to old, thousands packed Bonita Lakes park in Meridian for the annual "Pops at the Park" Fourth of July celebrations.

"I love coming here. Every year it's just awesome. I love coming and doing fireworks and hanging out with my family," Meridian resident Kelly Cobbler.

And indeed it was a family affair as children played with their loved ones and enjoyed a down home meal.

As the jet flew over the crowd, the orchestra wasn't the only patriotic tune that stood out during the celebration.

Meridian native Tom Fair proudly wears his patriotic flag tall hat and he says he has plenty of enthusiasm and pride for his country to go with it.

"Independence day means to me to be thankful and appreciative of the great country that we live in and spend time with our families. In fact, my whole family is up there on the hill so it's a great day to be an American," Meridian resident Tom Fair.

And the grand finale of tonight's fourth of July celebration was the fireworks.