PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA) — More than 700 people were outside at Pells Park in Paxton enjoying the music, food and laughs with family and friends this Fourth of July.

Organizers said it’s a yearly tradition for everyone in the community to have a fun and safe Independence Day.

“I have not been to any of this 4th of July stuff before for Paxton,” said Sloane Pepper, a visitor at the event. “So, it’s really fun.”

The 41st annual Paxton’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration at Pells Park was the place to be on Friday. Even though it was Pepper’s first time at the event, she said the community welcomes everyone with open arms.

“Really Paxton just wants it to be a very fun place to come and visit and play and have a good time with your family,” said President of Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce, Dawn Stack. “Again, you could stay here all day, you could come for a couple of hours and then head home with your family, enjoy the rest of your evening.”

From the dunk tank to the car show, plus live music, food and more, there was truly something special for everyone. One of the pioneers of this celebration said she remembers when they were first starting off.

There was nothing, I mean, for many years,” said Paxton Judy Jepsen-Popel Historical Society President. “And then we had representatives from all different organizations and entities in town.”

More than four decades ago, she said ideas started flowing and they haven’t looked back since.

“We wanted to make it some place where families could come, not spend a lot of money or any money,” said Judy Jepsen-Popel, Paxton Historical Society President. “And, you know, for their families and have a safe Fourth.”

Now every year people from all over make sure one of their first stops is in Paxton for the holiday.

“It kind of seems like a melting pot, bringing everyone from Champaign and all the other little towns around here to Paxton,” Pepper said. “So, it’s really special to see everybody with their families from out of town come here and celebrate together and just have a really nice summer day.”