Thirty-one years ago, Carl Schmoyer III and his father Carl F. Jr. began traveling to B.J. Alan Fireworks Company in Youngtown, Ohio, to purchase fireworks for the family's Fourth of July backyard celebration.

This family tradition of celebrating Independence Day has evolved over the years into a colorful spectacular for the Breiningsville community and families from as far away as New Jersey and Brooklyn, N.Y.

In previous years, Carl Schmoyer III has traveled with John Kemps of Celebration Fireworks, Slatington, to China to purchase fireworks for the celebration.

Clear blue skies, 70 degree temperatures and plenty of sunshine welcomed attendees to this year's fireworks celebration.

The fun began around 3 p.m. with CWTAP television personality Uncle Jeffrey broadcasting live from Breinigsville Park.

Throughout the afternoon and evening, children and adults placed folding chairs and blankets in the grass, on sidewalks and in the driveway of the park looking for a perfect spots to see the fireworks light up the night sky.

Fireworks enthusiasts awaited the display by the Schmoyer family and Celebration Fireworks by playing volleyball, playing on the playground, reading, having picnics, eating ice cream, snow-cones and french fries and listening to music and patriot songs that rang out from giant speakers on the ball field.

As dusk approached, The Municipal Band of Allentown performed and soloist Cheryl Michaels entertained.

There was also an old-fashioned patriotic sing-along led by Uncle Jeffrey.

Before the fireworks display began, Schmoyer addressed the crowd with a brief presentation on the creation of the Declaration of Independence along with reading the names of 56 signers and their respective states.

Stephen Oplinger of Macungie then sang the "Star Spangled Banner."

Chinese lanterns, decorated as American flags, were then released into the night sky as a preview of the evening's colorful fireworks presentation.

Carl Schmoyer III spoke with The Press after the fireworks display.

"About 400 Chinese lanterns were released into the night sky," he said. "We really wanted to release 550.

"We were blessed with wonderful weather.

"I don't think I ever saw a more patriotic group of people together to celebrate our nation's independence.

Schmoyer thanked the more than 35 people who assisted, including the Upper Macungie Township Parks Department, police department and fire police, who handled the traffic and crowd control and those who handled so many behind-the-scenes logistics.

"I would also like to thank Upper Macungie Township Fire Commissioner Grant Grim," Schmoyer said. "Finally, I would like to thank John Kemps from Celebration Fireworks.

"Without him and his company; we could never have a show of this magnitude."