The Lake Area Community Band handed out conductor’s batons to these kids who then conducted the band through the next tune.

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.

Syracuse’s Lakeside Park beach was busy all day in spite of overcast skies.

The Lakeside Park volleyball court was filled with players throughout the afternoon and evening.

Lake Area Community Band trumpeteer, Barry Frisinger, was one of the show’s featured soloists.

The Lakeside Park playground was a favorite spot for many of the younger visitors to the Syracuse Lake Fireworks Show.

It seemed as though the sun finally came out around 10:30 p.m., when this “great ball of fire” exploded over Syracuse Lake.