People brave weather to enjoy the 4th

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Thousands braved the often times wet weather Saturday to enjoy Fourth of July events at IPFW. Centennial Wireless held it's sixth annual Fireworks Spectacular events on the north campus.

Gates opened at noon and people arrived early. Rick Jennings said he wanted to get seats close to the stage. A handful of local bands performed through the afternoon, followed by country singer Jo Dee Messina.

As Messina pumped up the crowd for the main event, people took advantage of the food booths across from the stage. Others took part in a Guitar Hero contest put on by TVS. More than 40 people registered for the contest. "We've got some people that ranked, you know, 70,000 points, and some that are reaching 300,000 on the exact same song," said Nicholas Easterday with TVS. "So we've got some really good people out there and some that came out to play and see what they could do." The winner, Michael Growlow, 18, took home $1,000.

The crowd continued to grow through the afternoon. Families took advantage of the break in the clouds to cookout and have picnics as they waited for the fireworks display.

"The best thing is enjoying with family and sharing our freedom and our independence and being able to have a good time," said Tim Byers who recently moved back to Fort Wayne.

Jennings agreed and added, "Fourth of July (is about) celebration of freedom, and respect for our country."

Centennial officials told NewsChannel 15 they would not cancel or postpone the fireworks display even if it rained. They would only postpone it if the winds were too strong or if lightning was present.