It was a big night for Hartford as the 35th annual Riverfest celebration ended with a show you could see for miles.
Fireworks colored the night sky right over the Hartford River. Those on both sides of the bank celebrating Riverfest got to see the show they've been waiting for all year. Many came out early to make sure they had that perfect view.
"You've got to get a good spot. You get a prime spot, you don't let it go," said David Morales from Vernon.
The party connecting Hartford at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza and East Hartford at Great River Park was about more than just the big light show.
From live music and dancing to shopping to the food vendors there was a lot to keep people busy. Organizers expected about 200,000 to attend.
"It's very, very crazy. People everywhere," said Lorrie Little from Canton.
It's quite a different scene from last year when the rising river caused the festivities to be postponed. The rescheduled date meant a scaled-back event with just fireworks, but that wasn't the case this year.
"We have the live music, we have the breeze, it's beautiful. Got a bird's-eye view," said Siobhain Meachan from East Windsor.
As Riverfest's grand finale popped and banged overhead many already started making plans to come back next year.
"Definitely come out again," said Morales. "I saw there's some dragon boat festival again in a few weeks, so I'll probably come down for that. Next year I'll definitely be here for sure."
There are a lot more Riverfront events to come this summer. For a look at the schedule go to www.riverfront.org.
