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An annual tradition, the Fanfares and Fireworks show is held July 3 at Flavet Field. It is put on by the College of Journalism and Communication's Division of Media Properties, parent organization of WUFT News. (Photo by Steve Johnson/WUFT News)
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The show started at 7 p.m. with the first band, Bears and Lions, a eclectic performance group catering to children with a mix of rock and folk tunes.
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Performers like Good Gorilla Gorilla Beringei, shown here, braved the summer heat in their furry suits. (Photo by Steve Johnson/WUFT News)
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The crowd steadily grew during the course of the evening and the three performances. (Photo by Steve Johnson/WUFT News)
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Bears and Lions brought a unique energy to the crowd and stage. (Photo by Steve Johnson/WUFT News)
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Families and children streamed in to Flavet to celebrate the nation's birthday. (Photo by Steve Johnson/WUFT News)
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Our partners GRU brought their giant flag and suspended it from two bucket loaders once again this year. (Photo by Steve Johnson/WUFT News)
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The second performance of the evening was InCrisis Band, made up of UF professors, deans and friends. (Photo by Steve Johnson/WUFT News)
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Suzette Jennings, of InCrisis Band, rocked standards like Arethra Franklin, the B-52s and John Mellencamp. (Photo by Steve Johnson/WUFT News)
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There was much dancing in the field to the bands. (Photo by Steve Johnson/WUFT News)
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InCrisis brought a theme of Americana to their set. (Photo by Steve Johnson/WUFT News)
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University of Florida Public Safety estimated more than 10,000 people came to Flavet and were on the campus for the fireworks show about an hour before the fireworks were set off. (Photo by Steve Johnson/WUFT News)
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As the darkness set in, more folks arrived on the field. (Photo by Steve Johnson/WUFT News)
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The Gainesville Community Band was the final performance of the evening and played a mix of American standards, as well as tributes to Elvis and Pirates of the Caribbean.
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After the field lights dimmed at 9:30, a melody of American patriotic songs performed by the Gainesville Community Band heralded the start of the pyrotechnics. (Will England/WUFT News)
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The fireworks show lasted about 20 minutes. (Ryan Jones/WUFT News)
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The finale kicked off shortly before 10 p.m. and for many launched the holiday weekend. (Will England/WUFT News)