Winona Lake Fourth Of July Festivities Attract Sizeable Crowds
By Briley Gargis
InkFreeNews
WINONA LAKE – The patriotic spirit was alive and well in Winona Lake for the Fourth of July festivities that continued despite many activities around the country being canceled.
On Saturday, July 4, people gathered all around town and made for a refreshingly “normal” sight during the COVID-19 pandemic, with possibly the first time an event of this caliber has happened in the area since the original shutdown period.
Starting with the Symphony of the Lakes concert, a large group of people sat and enjoyed the music while keeping social distancing in mind. The orchestra played to well over a couple hundred people. This year, a larger tent was provided, allowing for the musicians to practice social distancing. Meanwhile, the audience sat on the lawn. Patriotism was apparent with almost everyone in attendance wearing the colors of our nation.
While the concert was taking place and people grabbed their spots for the fireworks, a few food vendors were able to set up and provide food and drinks for those who came to the village. The amount of traffic and occupied parking spots was a familiar sight despite it being anticipated that not a lot of people would attend the events.
Fireworks lit up the sky all evening in anticipation of the main event. The big fireworks were set to begin at 10 p.m. but ended up being delayed in order for it to be properly dark enough for the fireworks to show up clearly. Those in attendance enjoyed the display both from shore and from a large number of boats on the water.