BOISE, Idaho — Fourth of July events are happening all across the nation - and throughout Idaho - celebrating the independence the Founding Fathers declared in 1776.
In the Treasure Valley, parades, pyrotechnics, concerts and barbecues brought people to out various events throughout the day.
Here is a look at some them:
BOISE
Boise kicked off its Fourth of July celebration with the always-popular Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, which benefits local youth programs. Thousands turned out for the annual "We the People" Liberty Day Parade.
92-year-old Angie Petsche got to ride along in the parade with the Les Bois Miata Club.
"Absolutely happy as a lark," she said. "I just had my birthday, and these people are just super, and I wave to all the people and the little children are just darling cause they dressed up in red, white and blue."
Festivities got underway at 6 p.m. at Ann Morrison Park ahead of the city's fireworks display. If you can't make it to the park to watch the show, we'll carry it live on KTVB Channel 7 during our News at 10.
MERIDIAN
People in Meridian gathered in Storey Park for some yard games and hula hoop contests ahead of a performance by Big Wow Band and a big fireworks show Thursday night at Meridian Speedway.
"The park is packed, we're really having a good time," said Renee White with Meridian Parks and Recreation. "We've got face painting provided by one of our local churches. There's a whole bunch of old fashioned games, families are out here doing three-legged races and sack races, a hula hoop contest, a corn hole, we have a bounce house and it's all offered for free."
CALDWELL
In Caldwell, the city hosted it's annual Fourth of July celebration at Brothers Park. It included a parade, car show and live music by the Lightning River Band. The city also has a big fireworks show planned for Thursday night.
Jim Porter, a volunteer coordinator for Caldwell's festivities, says his city is a proud American community, and this is the perfect day to put that pride into action.
"We live in a very patriotic portion of the United States and people love nothing better than flying the flag saluting the flag, honoring vets, and just esteeming the founding of our country," Porter said. "So the Fourth of July plays into that on all levels."
MELBA
One of the most popular Fourth of July celebrations in the Treasure Valley takes place each year in the small town of Melba. The "Olde Tyme" 4th of July featured a fun run, arts and crafts fair, parade, antique tractor pull and a whole lot more. The town's fireworks show happens at dusk.
STAR
The town of Star celebrated Independence Day with with a fun run, a parade, luncheon and pie auction, talent show, and kids games at Hunter's Creek Sports Complex. Star will cap off the day with a concert by the Fabulous Chancellors and a fireworks show at dusk.