ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- After being postponed because of the rain and storms, Party in the Park was held at Eldridge Park in Elmira on Sunday, June 30. The early Independence Day celebration had events all throughout the day across the park that offered something special to each guest. 

Party in the Park is an annual celebration that works with several local companies to gather organizations, vendors, and artists to fill up Eldridge Park. One of the goals from organizers is to kick off the summer in a memorable way.

"So, Party in the Park is a little Fourth of July, Independence celebration," said Austin Hendrickson, a Team Leader of two years and an employee of seven at Eldridge Park. "We do it every year. We have our fireworks, our vendors, we have a craft fair here today from two [P.M.] to six [P.M.] and we have our shuttle buses running from four [P.M.] to eleven [P.M.] to help that big flow of people that we expect every single year. It's a fun time for all your family and your friends."

Another big goal that organizers had in mind was to give back to the community. They were able to do so by granting free admission to guests and gathering a variety of different people, products, and foods.

"Well, we've always done it around the Fourth of July," said Bob Kramarik, President of the Board of Directors at Eldridge Park. "Usually the Saturday before the Fourth of July. It's a give back to our customers. Eldridge Park is everybody's park and we don't really turn a profit here but we have so many supporters from different businesses and organizations that help us to put these types of things on so we can give them free to the public."

Both Kramarik and Hendrickson said parking spots go fast for this celebration. The event officially ran from 2 P.M. to 10 P.M. but, the lots were filling and people were lining up before the gates opened.

A few young people told us there was one big reason for the turnout.

"I came here to have fun and watch the fireworks," said Kiley.

"We're here to work, watch fireworks, and have a good time," said Trevor.

Party in the Park was with filled with enthusiastic park goers all throughout the day. But even though the fireworks drew people in, everything else got them to stay.

Organizers said this year's extravaganza was the biggest and best one yet and attendees are already excited to see what next year's celebration will look like.