Thirty-two years ago, Carl Schmoyer III and his father Carl F. Jr. began traveling to B.J. Alan Fireworks Company in Youngtown, Ohio, to purchase fireworks for the family’s Fourth of July backyard celebration.

This simple family tradition of celebrating Independence Day has evolved over the years into a colorful spectacular event for the Breiningsville community.

Clear blue skies, cool temperatures and plenty of sunshine welcomed attendees to this year’s celebration.

The fun began around 3 p.m. with CWTAP television personality Uncle Jeffrey Tapler broadcasting live from Breinigsville Park.

As they walked into the park, fireworks enthusiasts were given small American flags on sticks and song booklets for the sing-along.

Adults and children placed folding chairs and blankets in the grass, on sidewalks and in the driveway of the park looking for a perfect spots to see the fireworks light up the night sky.

All awaited the Schmoyer family and Celebration Fireworks display by playing volleyball, soccer, softball or Frisbee, or by reading, playing cards, having picnics, and listening to the music coming from giant speakers on the ball field.

As dusk approached, the Municipal Band of Allentown performed and the patriotic sing-along led by Uncle Jeffrey, Stephen Oplinger, David Moll, Carol Gehris and Linda Sherer got underway.

Against a blue-and-orange sky and prior to the main fireworks display, the crowd was treated to a pre-fireworks show.

Schmoyer addressed the crowd with a brief presentation on the creation of the Declaration of Independence along with reading the 56 signers and their respective states. Oplinger then sang the “Star Spangled Banner.”

As in previous years, Chinese lanterns decorated as American flags were released into the night sky.