Sai Krishnamoorthy experienced his first American celebration of Independence Day on Sunday.
Krishnamoorthy, a 23-year-old UF computer engineering graduate student, worked at Fanfares and Fireworks as an employee of the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
He previously celebrated Indian Independence day each August in his home country, where people gather to see an inspirational leader and talk about freedom, Krishnamoorthy said.
“I’m most excited about the fireworks,” he said. “Back in India, we don’t celebrate Independence Day with fireworks. They don’t invite bands — it’s not like this.”
Throughout the event, which began at 7 p.m. and ended at about 10 p.m., about 600 visitors snacked on funnel cakes and cotton candy as they listened to local bands.
Bears and Lions and Gainesville Community Band performed after making an appearance last year, and The Savants of Soul joined this year’s lineup.
University Police Officer Tiaunshe Brown, 24, said she usually hears the fireworks from her home.
This year, Brown’s job brought her to the event for her first time.
“We have a good group of people — not much to worry about,” she said.
Alex Klausner, the 26-year-old drummer for The Savants of Soul, said he usually celebrates Independence Day with friends.
Sunday was the band’s first time celebrating the holiday together, he said.
“It’s always great to see the wide variety of people that are out here to celebrate,” Klausner said. “Not all of Gainesville events are like this.”
