Residents and visitors were treated to a thunderous and spectacular fireworks display to celebrate our nation’s 246th birthday. Boom on the Lagoon, hosted by the City of Vero Beach Recreation Department and presenting sponsor Mulligan’s Beach House Bar & Grill, drew thousands of people to view the patriotic display on land and on the water.

Families flooded Riverside Park, arriving early to set up grills, tents and lavish spreads, staking their claim to the perfect viewing spots for the fireworks display, with synchronized music from iHeartRadio stations. As day turned to evening, the park came to life with food trucks, local nonprofit booths, live music, a children’s play area, and hula hoop, limbo and pie eating contests. There was even an Uncle Sam Cam with a screen big enough for everyone to make sure they didn’t miss anything. Some viewers got up close and personal, floating on boats in the lagoon to watch as the fireworks exploded over their heads, and still others lined the bridges and nearby roadways or hosted gatherings from their docks.

Photos provided