Since 1989, Muncie residents have been attending Minnetrista's Fourth of July festival and rocking out with America's Hometown Band.
The band is made up of a variety of people, mostly Ball State alumi and those who played in the Ball State summer band program, said band director Roger McConnell.
"It's a community based band, about two thirds of us are Ball State related," he said.
America's Hometown Band will begin its tribute to America on Minnetrista's lawn at 8 p.m. The concert is part of the center's Summer Stage Fest and is free to the public.
The band will play a variety of Patriotic pieces ranging in date from all the way back to the civil war.
"In a small way to show our service for our country," McConnell said.
McConnell said he once tried to follow in his family's military background. He had an uncle who once served and a son who served for 12 years.
His thoughts of military service were cut short when he was disqualified for having flat feet during his physical exam.
"My military experience was pretty short, so this is a way I can pay back my country by celebrating my country," he said.
Not everyone comes to hear their nation's anthem though, the festival also has a number of different activities for everyone to enjoy.
A variety of venders set up all across Minnetrista. This year they will have Baskin Robins ice cream, elephant ears, air-brush tattoos, crafts and various activities for kids, according to Karen Nickel, Minnetrista's visitor service assistant.
Nickel said it is very crowded every year and she always encourages attendee's to come early for a good seat.
Minnetrista's lawn will usually fill up to about 2,000 people for the special event, Minnetrista's Rebecca Holmquist said.
McConnell said every year the lawn is always a fun place to be.
"It's a lovely setting at Minnetrista; everyone has a good time," he said. "It's great to be outdoors, and it's a nice, safe, environment."
America's Hometown Band will rock the lawn until sun down, when the town of Muncie launches fireworks over Muncie Central High School.
Viewers can turn into WLBC's "Set the Night to Music" on their radios at 10 p.m. for music synchronized to the fireworks.
The fireworks show usually attracts an even larger crowd according to Holmquist.
During the fireworks show, 1,000 more residents set up their lawn chairs to "oohh" and "ahh" at the colorful sky.
"It's an awesome experience. I mean, we don't get to play any other concerts where it ends in fireworks," McConnell said.
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