Carla Pritchard

The crowd was thick and so was the patriotism at Coolidge Park on Thursday as the Chattanooga Symphony performed for the annual Pops on the River concert and fireworks display.

The symphony, joining with Andrea Dismukes and Brett Hyberger started the evening performance around 8:20 p.m. with the traditional “Star-Spangled Banner.” That was followed by 15 other pieces, including Independence Day staples like “1812 Overture” and ending with “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

For veterans like retired Air Force Capt. Jim Collier, the patriotic show was heartwarming.

“Me and my wife are traveling cross-country in our RV, so we wanted to make sure we ended up in a place that had a good Fourth of July show. It was either Chattanooga or Knoxville, and truthfully, we picked Chattanooga to save gas, but this is amazing,” said Capt. Collier, who has lived in California since retiring from the Air Force in 1985.

“I love seeing all the families and the balloons,” he said. “That’s really America for you.”

The balloon-to-human ratio on the Chattanooga riverfront was startling. Visitors saw a sea of red and white from the south shore of the Tennessee River. Children, soaked from baths in the water fountain, ran from picnic site to picnic site as the faint aroma of barbecue filled the air. Organizers expected about 25,000 people for the 90-minute concert followed by a 10-minute fireworks show.

“I like the excitement of it. I enjoy being on the water, and I love Coolidge Park,” said Pat Dyer, of Ooltewah.

Ms. Dyer was joined by two friends on the Walnut Street Bridge. They staked out their spot about 5:30 p.m., 2 1/2 hours before the symphony was set to perform.

“I love being outside at night, and I love the music and the fireworks,” she said. “What’s not to love about being down here for the Fourth of July?”

Just below Ms. Dyer was the Clayton family from Trenton, Ga. With three girls in tow, ages 4, 3 and 1, B.J. Clayton said he layed out a blanket, cooler and other picnic supplies around 1:30 p.m. to find the best spot, front and center.

“We’ve hit the fountain a few times, and then we were playing with the football,” Mr. Clayton said. “They’re always amazed at it, so it should definitely hold their attention for a while.”

Thursday’s event was the eighth time the Chattanooga Downtown Partnership has organized the event.

“We have a lot to show off and a lot to celebrate, especially on the Fourth of July, and everyone comes together to make sure this great event happens from year to year,” said Carla Pritchard, executive director of the Chattanooga Downtown Partnership.

Ms. Pritchard said her organization pays for all the festivities with contributions from businesses. She said the symphony performs at a discount, and the city allows the group to use Coolidge Park at no charge.

The Chattanooga Times Free Press is a sponsor of the event.

For Mr. Clayton and his daughters, the capstone of the long day in the park was the fireworks show. With a cost of about $8,500, the 10-minute display cost $850 a minute.

“All these people out here are going to remember this forever,” Capt. Collier said. “It’s great that you all live in a city that takes this much pride.”

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