OWASCO - As tradition often dictates, area residents flooded to Emerson Park for some tasty barbecue with friends and family to celebrate the birth of the United States Friday.

“It's just a great way to spend the holiday close to home,” said George McConnell, as he sat watching his grandchildren play on the playground. “It isn't to often that the whole family can get together like this. And the kids just love the fireworks.”

McConnell, of Locke, said this is the first year that the family had met at the park for the Fourth of July holiday but he would certainly like to return.

“I have always loved the fireworks over the lake,” he said. “But we typically just have our barbeque at home.”

This year though, the McConnell family opted for a quiet picnic of sandwiches and salads by the lakeside.

Many visitors were discovering the park for the first time.

Jeff Miller and his wife, Kathleen, of Lansing, said that since their children have grown up and moved away they try to find new places to visit each year.

“We've been wanting to visit the area for quite some time now,” Jeff said. “I'm really glad that we finally have. It is just a beautiful, beautiful place. We will certainly be returning.”

The couple stopped for an early dinner at a nearby restaurant before strolling through the park and finally found a place to rest beneath a tree.

“I think that we have found our spot for watching the fireworks,” Jeff laughed. “This view of the lake and all of the activity is quite relaxing.”

The Millers planned to enjoy the evening with a stroll or bicycle ride before the fireworks.

“You all have a beautiful park right under your noses,” Kathleen said. “How lucky for you.”

The Fourth of July festivities continued with a performance by the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra and fireworks at dusk.