Unexpectedly cool weather was the topic of conversations Friday as Ann Arbor residents and University students celebrated America's 221st birthday.
With highs reaching only into the low 70s, Ann Arbor's surprisingly cool and unpredictable weather put a damper on Independence Day celebrations.
Biology lecturer Eric Mann spent the holiday on campus, at work in his office.
"The weather was gross. I had a very boring but productive Fourth," Mann said.
Gloomy skies were not enough to keep Engineering sophomore Celia Chen indoors.
"I went rollerblading at a park without protective gear and then went to the Detroit Freedom Festival," Chen said.
In spite of the weather, some students chose to carry on with their usual Fourth of July activities, including picnics and time shared with family and friends. LSA senior Erika Marek barbecued with her fiance. "We had sausages, hamburgers and Swiss cake rolls," Marek said.
Many students spent the holiday out of town visiting with family and friends.
"I went home to be with my family and we barbecued and relaxed," said Michigan Student Assembly Vice President and LSA senior Olga Savic.
"My dad is the best barbecuer in the Tri-State area."
However, Savic said Independence Day leaves her with a feeling of mixed emotions.
"A good friend of mine passed away on July 4 a few years ago and it's hard to celebrate when people who you care about are gone."
LSA Student Government President Lauren Shubow went to Washington, D.C. to watch the fireworks display on the Mall.
"There were a half a million people there," Shubow said.
"The fireworks were above the reflecting pool on the Mall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. They were the best fireworks I've ever seen!"
Interfraternity Council President Ken Tanner, an Engineering senior, spent the weekend in Missouri.
"I went to a rodeo with my family and girlfriend," Tanner said. "It was the only thing going on in a small town in Missouri.
"It was my break from baling hay. We also did our own fireworks because they're legal there," Tanner said.
Ann Arbor Mayor Ingrid Sheldon celebrated the holiday with members of the community by participating in the city's annual Fourth of July parade.
The procession wound through the downtown area and included marching bands and floats representing community groups and businesses.
Sheldon, an Ann Arbor native, said she was pleased with the community's involvement in the Fourth of July festivities.
BOHDAN DAMIAN CAP/Daily
A local marching band blows its horns during Ann Arbor's annual Fourth of July Independence parade. The parade traveled through the downtown area, including State and Main Streets.
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