The Elkin Jaycees' fireworks display ended with resounding applause as the brilliant colors lighted up the sky in an array of designs.

Oohs and ahhs could be heard throughout the park by youngsters and adults as the fireworks sprayed reds, greens, blues and whites in cascading and starburst patterns above the trees of the park.

Although the attendance was much lower than previous years, all that were there enjoyed the evening.

The annual event offered less food and craft vendors than last year, but several people who were trying the new Cuban fare were heard expressing their delight of the tastefully-prepared chicken.

Children ran, danced, bounced and stuffed their faces with cotton candy and candy apples, snow cones and ice cream as the afternoon moved into evening. Many enjoyed the favorite hot dogs of Royall's Soda Shoppe under the canopy of the Elkin Municipal Park's trees while listening to the sounds of the "Nautical Wheelers." Others brought picnic baskets and coolers and dined in the pleasant temperatures of the afternoon and evening.

Dusk brought out the sparklers and small fireworks in anticipation of the big fireworks. Children throughout were easily spotted flitting around in neon light-up accessories.

Blankets and lounge chairs were filled with young and old as the fireworks display began at 9:30.

This was the 17th annual Fourth of July celebration in the park sponsored by the Jaycee's. Royall's Soda Shoppe co-sponsored the event this year.

"It's been a wonderful afternoon, Kaylee Turner from Cana said. "I was in the area visiting a friend and decided to stay for the fireworks. Elkin has an extremely nice park and everyone smiles at you as you walk by."

A few spectators offered guesses as to why attendance was down this year.

"I believe that this year people weren't as afraid to spend a little money and more have traveled to take a vacation," May Whitehead said. "I live up north and decided to stay in the area instead of driving any further tonight. I learned of the fireworks in the park at the hotel and decided to come watch.

"Last year, I didn't take a vacation myself, deciding to save my money because of the state of the economy, but a lot of my friends are taking a vacation right now. I think since many people actually get a vacation day during the fourth, they're taking advantage of the extra day off. The kids are out of school and it's been a long year, everybody needs a break."

As one conversation went, the participants spoke of this being the only long holiday weekend left during the summer where the kids are out of school.

"The next holiday weekend is Labor Day and most school systems will be back in session, preventing an extra long weekend or week vacation," Thomas Black said. "My wife and kids are at the beach for the next few days courtesy of the holiday," he said. "I'll be joining them on Monday for a couple of days, but it was my weekend to work, holiday or not. We usually ride over here to Elkin every year for the fireworks, but I've noticed there seems to be only about a third of the people that are usually here."

As day turned into evening, the parking lots filled and cars lined the street above the park as more people filled the grounds to enjoy the fireworks.

Anyone interested in being a vendor for next year's annual event should contact the Elkin Jaycees.