PHOTO GALLERY: Flags, fireworks, food abound on Fourth of July

July 5, 2012 | 12:16 a.m. CDT

Flags, fireworks and food abound on the Fourth of July in Columbia as residents and visitors gathered at Peace Park and Flat Branch Park for entertainment and activities for children and then stayed to watch the downtown fireworks.

Rachel Smith, a Columbia Fire Department engineer, helps raise the American flag Wednesday at Flat Branch Park. | Robert Swain

A balloon displaying the American flag flies over Peace Park during the Fire in the Sky celebration on Wednesday. | Amy Bruer

Firefighters lift the American flag Wednesday at Flat Branch Park. | Robert Swain

A centerpiece adorns a table at Chillin' On The Rooftop on Wednesday evening at the Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts. Pizza, wings and chocolate chip cookies were served at the event. | Robert Swain

A variety of beers, for those of age, are served at Chillin' On The Rooftop on Wednesday evening at the Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts. | Robert Swain

Kasy Ray, 5, makes a Fourth of July hat Wednesday at Flat Branch Park. Kasy and his family were visiting Columbia from Moberly to see the fireworks. | Robert Swain

On the Fourth of July, Flat Branch Park offered an expansive view of fireworks. | Pinar Istek