Palm Springs Fourth of July celebrations kick off

Residents around the Coachella Valley are coming together to celebrate the nation's birthday. In Palm Springs hundreds of people gathered at Ruth Hardy Park for food, games, activities, music, and the grand finale: a laser light show.

"I think this event is definitely much more special than it has been in the past because it’s not only our annual celebration of independence of our nation, but it’s almost like an independence from the pandemic as well," director of parks and recreation in Palm Springs, Cynthia Alvarado Crawford said.

The event kicked off at 4 p.m. and by 6:30 p.m. Palm Springs Mayor Christy Holstege addressed the crowds moments before the Dude Jones Band took the stage to perform for more than an hour of live music.

"It feels good because like last year I didn’t do anything really," Downey resident, Delilah Lozano said.

People were relieved to be out celebrating once again after many plans were put on hold last year due to surging COVID-19 cases.

"It feels awkward but I feel like nice for it to get back to normal," Lancaster resident, Destiny Palacion said.

Friends Delilah Lozano and Destiny Palacios were visiting Palm Springs, and despite triple digit heat, they managed to stay cool with popsicles.

Food vendors were also on site-- something they haven't done for months.

"Over a year and a half-- very happy to be back and see our customers back. We’re very glad," Chuck Ailabouni of Julian's Food.

To top the night off, a laser light show lit up the sky, replacing the traditional fireworks show.