In Case You Missed It: Highlights from the 2023 4th Fest Independence Day Celebration - 7/4/23

It was wonderful to see so much of the Rochester community come together for the 2023 4th Fest Independence Day Celebration in Soldiers Field Par. While the weather was steamy, the music was engaging, the food was scrumptious, and the fireworks were "oooo" and "aaahhh" inspiring.
Just as we started rejoicing over dodging the predicted rain, some lightning snuck into the area, requiring a shortened set from the awesome headliner The Lonesome Losers, and an early start time for the fireworks. Special thanks to the National Weather Service and the City of Rochester team for their last minute heroics in keeping the community, and artists, safe and informed.
Those in attendance got the pleasure of seeing the amazing video Rochester Poet Laureate Jean Prokott created of her recitation of her stirring poem "Claiming Light". In case you missed it, check out the video here • Claiming Light - A Poe... .
Thank you to all who submitted photos for the Virtual Pet Parade. It was a delight to see these, now famous, furries on the big screen. And special shout out to Jenna Bowman and the City Communications team and City of Rochester interns Mira Ratrout and Mathani Mohamed for creating the incredible Virtual Pet Parade video. Watch the Virtual Pet Parade video here • 4h Fest 2023 - Virtual... .
THANK YOU: City of Rochester, Rochester Park and Rec, Rochester Fire Department, Rochester Police Department, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, Fette Productions, Culligan, Mitch Stevenson, the Rochester Community Band, DJ Aventus, Rochester Poet Laureate Jean Prokott, The Lonesome Losers, The Rochester Posse, Tyler Aug, Kate Klaus Photography, and all the food and beverage vendors - The Compadres, Infuzn Foods, Minne Street Rolls, True Smoke BBQ, Thai Garden, Flapdoodles, Minne "Snow" Da Shave Ice, Little Thistle Brewing Co., Thesis Beer Project.