Earlier in the day, Billings’ stepson Cayden, 7, had asked what independence means. She simply explained it’s what sets America apart from other countries.

But, perhaps there was more on people’s minds: the historic birth of America’s freedom, and fireworks.

“It’s definitely a holiday that should be celebrated, but I think the fireworks are a big part of that,” Lewiston resident Nicole Rice said. “It’s good to see the kids happy.”

And the best part for Hunter Phillips, 11, of Richmond? “Fireworks.”

“We celebrate the freedom and, like, the soldiers who fought for us,” he said, just after his sparkler fizzled out. “It’s fun.”

Festival organizers Cathy McDonald and Rich Martin emphasized that the celebration is “not just fireworks.”

“What we’re here to celebrate is our freedom,” McDonald said.

“It’s imperative to celebrate it,” Martin agreed. “And it builds community — look at all the people here,” he said, gesturing to the people streaming into the park.

About 35,000 people came out to last year’s festival, McDonald said. She expected more this year, despite the heat and early weather forecasts that made thunderstorms seem likely.

This year’s festival included performances by local artists such as Robert Washington, an Elvis impersonator who has taken his act across the country, and a revived Terry and the Telstars, one of the stalwarts from the Lewiston PAL Hop days of the 1960s. Both performed in Veterans Memorial Park.

“We are Terry and the Telstars from 1964,” lead singer Nick Knowlton said as the band took the stage. “We’re delighted to be here celebrating America’s birthday!”

The music carried on from both sides of the river — a block party hosted by LA Harley raged in Auburn’s Festival Plaza — until darkness fell.

That meant it was time for fireworks. And how were those loud, proud symbols of freedom, and America’s struggle to attain it?

Don Billings, husband of liberty-loving Hollie Billings, had a word for them, too.

“Phenomenal.”