The city of Ames and Reiman Gardens kicked off the Fourth of July and sesquicentennial celebrations July 3 with a free concert and fireworks show.

Event officials estimated more than 5,000 people celebrated inside Reiman Gardens’ grounds throughout the evening. There were performances by the Ames Choral Society and the Ames Municipal Band before the city-sponsored fireworks show began at 10 p.m.

Megan Cummings, Reiman Gardens membership coordinator, said the event was a success for everyone involved.

“I just love seeing all these people here,” Cummings said. “It’s pretty amazing. It’s a great chance for people to see what Reiman [Gardens] has to offer.”

Bri Holden, Reiman Gardens intern and junior in landscape architecture, agreed. “I work here outside all day. It’s great to see how much people appreciate our hard work.”

The food options seemed to be a hit as well. Hy-Vee donated 37 full-size cakes that were given away one slice at a time in the course of the night. At 7:00 p.m., the diners waiting at the end of the line for a brisket sandwich or a brat stood more than 150 yards from the grill.

“I’m hungry, it’s a beautiful night and we have music playing”, said Ames resident Hugh Tolbert. “I can wait.”

Hundreds of families settled in the traditional hotspots in the shadow of Jack Trice Stadium. Parking lots were full from the entrance of Reiman Gardens to the south side of Hilton Coliseum in anticipation of the fireworks display.

Outside Reiman Gardens, children played baseball or football on the knolls in front of the stadium while parents enjoyed the nice weather and a cold drink. Kids were excited for the show, including 9-year-old Haley Johnston of Boone.

“My favorite is the fireworks,” she said. “I hope they’re really good.”

The 150th anniversary celebration continues July 4 with a pancake breakfast at 8:30 a.m., 4th of July parade at 11 a.m. and a concert featuring the Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars at 8 p.m. For details about these events and others, visit www.ames150.com.