Hundreds of thousands of Tar Heel fans prepare to fill the seats in UNC Chapel Hill’s Kenan Stadium as football season approaches and the Tar Heels host Elon on Sept. 1. But on a hotter than hell 4^th of July, the stadium was slammed for Chapel Hill’s annual Independence Day fireworks display.

Chapel Hill residents and UNC students who stuck around for summer school, or just to chillax in the beautiful town of Chapel Hill, scavenged the nearby area for parking. Many people parked on a busy Franklin Street, at restaurants and at churches. Many created their very own parking spot, understanding that they could be ticketed. Designated parking for the Independence Day fireworks was available, but limited and topped capacity quickly.

According to unc.edu, more than 10,000 people were expected to attend the 4th of July celebration to see “A display of 6,393 fireworks, including wave willows, red and green falling leaves, silver whirls and lemon and purple Crossetts.” The first 10,000 would receive a free glow stick provided by Grace Church. The fireworks began at 9:30 P.M., but other festivities started at 7P.M. with a juggling Uncle Sam on stilts and face painting.

“I parked on Franklin Street and walked about a mile to get to the football stadium. It was hot outside, but when my friend and I finally arrived, there were so many beautiful, happy people there to celebrate our Independence, the long, hot walk was worth it,” UNC student/Chapel Hill resident Harmony Rose said.

Photo by Liyunyu