A large crowd of friends and family gathered to watch the Independence Day fireworks display in the night sky at Tallahassee’s 40th “Celebrate America” event at Tom Brown Park.

Hundreds of Tallahassee community members arrived dressed in red, white and blue as music blared from speakers. Children laughed, played Connect Four, shuffleboard and other games until sunset.

Mayor Curtis Richardson greeted the crowd with words of encouragement and told the history of American Independence Day.

Shortly thereafter, the cast of “The Music Man,” a summer musical from Leon High School's choral department, performed an ensemble performance of selections from the musical. Families walked around and enjoyed the various booths and festivities while enjoying the music.

Following the opening act, the Kenny Hill Band performed. The band's Americana and bluegrass sounds brought the Independence Day celebrations to life as the crowd danced to the music. As their performance concluded, Tallahassee City Councilman Jack Porter greeted the crowd and wished everyone a happy Fourth of July.

After the crowd had warmed up with the Kenny Hill Band, the headliner band Revival arrived and was warmly welcomed by the audience.

Lead singer Avis Berry brought a dynamic voice and stage presence, getting the crowd up and dancing as the band played a few of their own songs as well as several Stevie Wonder classics. Dozens of spectators flocked to the stage to sing and dance with people from all walks of life.

The crowd's applause was overwhelming as Revival finished their set. Whistles and cheers could be heard from the front of the stage to the back of the hall. The cast of the summer musical “The Music Man” returned to sing the national anthem before the Tallahassee Public Utilities began the fireworks display.

The 40th annual Celebrate America event concluded with fireworks lighting up the field as thousands watched in awe.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee families flock to Tom Brown Park for Fourth of July fireworks