ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The Fourth of July brought a burst of fun to Elk Grove with the annual Salute to the Red, White and Blue.

The festival once again filled Elk Grove Regional Park with families playing games, sharing good food and celebrating independence. Despite high temperatures, attendees and organizers persevered to keep the event enjoyable and safe.

Kelly Le said the Salute is a family tradition because it brings Fourth of July fun, fireworks and activities close to home. She was relaxing with her husband, children, mother and mother-in-law, and they were setting up a grill to barbecue chicken and fruit.

“Our kids really love it. We love coming out here every year, just to enjoy the food and everybody’s company, and our kids especially love the fireworks every year,” Le said.

The shade from trees and beautiful scenery were a major plus for Ruben Rojas, who attended the Salute for the first time.

Early in the evening, when the temperature was still above 100 degrees, Rojas couldn’t wait for it “to get a little cool.” He also looked forward to the fireworks and the concert by the Agents of Rock band.

Rujesh Shrestha was also new to the festival and to Elk Grove. He attended with his wife and children, and he invited his friends and their families. Shrestha said he likes spending time outdoors and going to events with his friends.

To keep cool and hydrated, Shrestha’s group brought fruits and plenty of water.

Because of the heat, the Let Freedom Ride Bike Parade was canceled and the official start time of the Salute was pushed back two hours.

Dedicated to making sure the event stayed safe, Elk Grove-Galt Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members drove around the park in a golf cart, checking on the visitors.

Cosumnes Fire Department firefighter-paramedic Samson Griffis said CERT and the fire department had multiple levels of life support to help anyone in distress. Cots were set up in the air-conditioned park pavilion, where they were prepared to bring anyone overwhelmed by the heat.

June Cochrane, a CERT volunteer program coordinator, said the best way to stay safe in high heat is to drink plenty of water, even starting the day beforehand, as well as staying in the shade.

Local government officials announced the event’s formal start, with Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen noting that Elk Grove recently reached its 24th anniversary of cityhood.

“Thank you all for coming out and braving the heat,” Sacramento County Supervisor Pat Hume said. “That Delta breeze is already starting to kick in. It’s going to get down to a nice temperature tonight. We’re going to see some great fireworks, listen to some great music and there’s some great food right over here, so thank you all for coming out and supporting our city’s birthday, our nation’s birthday and this great country that we call home.”

Elk Grove Resident Martin Beal sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and a brief fireworks volley gave a preview of the excitement promised for later that night.

Agents of Rock took the stage, performing covers of classic rock songs. As the shadows stretched and the temperature dropped, more guests arrived, moving closer to the stage, and children ran around the park playing games.

Eventually, the sun set and the fireworks show began in earnest, drawing cheers from the eager crowd.