PHOTO GALLERY: Food is an important part of Independence Day festivities

July 4, 2012 | 11:47 p.m. CDT

From cool treats to traditional festival fare, Columbia residents celebrated the Fourth of July with food.

Rainbow Italian ice made by John Pagano, co-owner of Pagano's Italian Ice, is shown on Wednesday night at Flat Branch Park. Pagano's Italian Ice is owned by John Pagano and his wife, Valerie Pagano. | Robert Swain

Megan McConachie holds shaved ice Wednesday evening at Flat Branch Park. | Robert Swain

Foot-long Texas fair corndog is served on Wednesday evening at Flat Branch Park. | Robert Swain

Mackenzie Richmond, 11, eats a funnel cake on Wednesday evening at Flat Branch Park. | Robert Swain