Pari Bailey helped launch a hawk-shaped kite into the air at Independence Park on Friday. After rain was forecast for July 4, the city of Marshall rescheduled its Independence Day fireworks and concerts to Friday.

MARSHALL — With thunderstorms in the forecast for July 4, the city of Marshall had to find a backup plan for its annual Independence Day events. Fortunately, in the end all it took was waiting a day.

“We’re really excited we’re still able to provide the big celebration for the city,” said Jasmine DeSmet, community education coordinator at Marshall Community Services.

The festivities, including concerts, food vendors and a fireworks show, drew area families out to Independence Park on July 5. People grabbed seats at picnic tables, or set up blankets and lawn chairs on the grass.

“We’re taking in the atmosphere, and the food at the food trucks,” said Ron Glidden, one of the people relaxing at the park with family.

“It feels weird saying ‘happy Fourth of July,'” after the date had passed, said Emily Olson. But members of the Olson family were enjoying a picnic supper, and looking forward to the fireworks.

Before the fireworks, community members heard a selection of patriotic music from the Marshall Municipal Band, as well as a performance from singer and “The Voice” contestant Joslynn Rose.

Families also brought along kites, soccer balls and even fishing gear to enjoy an evening in the park.

Skylar Yang cast a fishing line into the park pond, alongside Mason Yang and Aubree Crain. The three anglers were catching more weeds than fish, but they were enjoying time outside.

“We just came over here to do something,” Skyler Yang said.

Samantha Yang said their family had still gotten together on Thursday, in spite of the weather. Sprinkles of rain weren’t enough to stop people from holding a barbecue, she said.

The Olson family said they lit some sparklers on Thursday night, but were waiting for Friday’s fireworks.

When thunderstorms first started moving into southwest Minnesota this week, event organizers were looking at the options to reschedule the Fourth of July festivities, DeSmet said. “We had to look at the long-term plan, because they were talking about three days of rain at first,” she said.

Rescheduling the celebration didn’t just need good weather – the performers and fireworks crew also had to be available for a rain date.

“The fireworks schedule was a big part of it,” DeSmet said. Although Wednesday night was clear, the fireworks weren’t available. Friday worked out, however. “This was just kind of the window we saw, so we went with it.”