SYRACUSE — Overcast skies did nothing to dampen the spirits of hundreds of visitors to Syracuse’s Lakeside Park, Monday, July 4. The crowds turned out in red, white and blue to swim, play volleyball, frolic on the playground and just enjoy the festive atmosphere as the Lakeland Area Community Band filled the air with patriotic songs through two sets, featuring pieces written by Indiana-born composers such as Fred Sewell, who wrote “E Pluribus Unum.”

Around 10:30 p.m. the spectators gathered to witness the Syracuse Lake Fireworks, which lit up the sky to the strains of “What a Wonderful World,” “Proud to Be an American” and many more.