BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Fireworks were booming over Burlington’s waterfront on the third of July. Before the fireworks, we caught up with people excited to celebrate.
“Genuinely think it was born of just a tradition. I remember as a kid being very, very mesmerized by the fireworks as a whole and that magic kind of hasn’t gone away with age. And again, the family and friends aspect of it is very, very important to all of us. So, it’s something that we all have to show up for,” said Isaiah Gilbert of St. Albans.
“I think it’s important to celebrate the foundation of the country what’s made this country what it is and I think it’s important,” said Oscar Sanchez of South Burlington.
“I think it’s a good way to bring everyone together when we all celebrate it,” said Gabriela Sanchez of South Burlington.
Richard MacDonald from Alberta, Canada, was among those who traveled from far away for the lights display. “I thought I’d come and experience America during a celebration,” he said.
We caught up with one St. Albans family who has sat in the same spot for decades on the waterfront. Isaiah Gilbert got there at noon today to hold the spot. “I look forward to this more than Christmas and the holidays because all of my siblings are grown and we’re out of the house. It’s one of the things that we still all come back to Vermont for,” said Gilbert.
It’s a tradition for family and friends to stop by and hang out throughout the day on July 3rd. “Just seeing my family is number one, you know what I mean? And just being here and being able to be with my family on a day that we celebrate every year,” said Luke Havranek from Yonkers, New York.
Sisters Madelynn and Sophia Karas from Orlando, Florida, were excited to point out their favorite types of fireworks. “The ones that are loud,” said Madelynn.
“The ones that go like a fountain,” added Sophia.
Some far-away visitors had a goal for the celebration. “Because I wanted to see Bernie Sanders on the Fourth of July in a different state, a different place to be, and see how he celebrates the 4th of July,” said Shirley Burrle Henry from Port Sulphur, Louisiana.
The fireworks and party might be why people are at the waterfront, but many aren’t forgetting the reason we celebrate. “My family and I celebrate the Fourth of July because it is a freedom for us, and we celebrate Juneteenth. We’re just happy to be an American,” Henry said.