Hampton, Va. - The annual fireworks show is back on at Fort Monroe, after it was cancelled last year.
NewsChannel 3 talked to several people today who were all thrilled to have the fireworks back at such a historic spot.
After last year's lack of fireworks at Fort Monroe, people are piling in; the Fort Monroe Authority announced the Annual Fourth of July fireworks show is back on.
"This will be our first time seeing it here because they didn't have it last year, so we are really excited to see it here rather than the other places around here," says a local resident.
Last year, city officials told NewsChannel 3 the Army cancelled the Independence Day celebration because of a tight budget - but this year it's back after the Commonwealth of Virginia took ownership of Fort Monroe.
"I think anything we can do to open the Fort and share it with all the people that live on the east coast of Virginia or all over Virginia that want to come and enjoy this beautiful piece of property - that's what it's really for."
The Fort Monroe Authority says they're expecting thousands.
"The idea that we can put on an event where five to ten thousand citizens in our community can come and celebrate something as great as the 4th of July and do it on a site as historic as Fort Monroe, is really a testimony to the hard work that's gone into bringing Fort Monroe back to life."
And they've added a Military Appreciation Day to honor anyone who has or is currently serving.
"It just tells me that people really appreciate what we do as individuals and as a group. It makes me feel really excited and happy."
"I can explain to my kids and say, this is what Daddy does, and this is how they pay us back."
That Military Appreciation Day is happening right now - with food, games, and more. As for the fireworks, those don't start until 9:30 p.m. tonight.
