A demonstration of police and military might, the sounds of American classics, and the sight of a colorful sky gave spectators many treats in downtown Knoxville Wednesday night.
The annual Festival on the 4th celebration attracted thousands of people to World's Fair Park Wednesday.
This year's show got underway with a flyover by a KC-135 with the Tennessee Air National Guard. Members of the Knoxville Police Department and the Knox County Sheriff's Office rappelled from a chopper onto the Clinch Avenue viaduct.
About a half hour later, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra performed patriotic American classics, including the 1812 Overture and Stars and Stripes Forever.
During the symphony's intermission, Marine Private Jordan O'Neal proposed to his girlfriend live on television in front of thousands of people. She said yes.
"I expected it... I just didn't know it was going to be like this," said the startled bride-to-be.
About a half hour later, the main event began above the Tennessee River, as thousands of fireworks from Pyro Shows filled the night sky for about 20 minutes.
The Greer family, of West Knoxville, attends the fireworks show almost every year. Thirteen year-old Cian names her favorite firework.
"I like that small ones that go up, then get really big across the sky!" she said.
She and her two sisters, Brianna and Aundrea also enjoyed the symphony music. Their mother, Teresa says her daughters understand the meaning of freedom.
"They are free to do what they can. They can go to school, learn whatever subject they want to learn, grow old and be somebody. In some countries you can't do that."
The girls' father, Dale, agrees, and said he enjoyed family time on the holiday.
"I'm just looking forward to beign out here with everybody and enjoying the fireworks."