ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Thousands of people packed Asheville’s South Slope on Saturday to celebrate Independence Day with live music, family activities, food, local vendors and a fireworks finale.

The South Slope Block Party transformed the downtown district into a daylong celebration, with festivalgoers cooling off with frozen treats and cold drinks while sporting plenty of red, white and blue.

Entertainment included performances throughout the day, the Ultimate Air Dogs dock-jumping show, a classic car show and a concert by Empire Strikes Brass before the night’s fireworks display lit up the Asheville skyline.

The event, hosted by the Asheville Downtown Association in partnership with the city of Asheville, also highlighted South Slope’s restaurants, breweries, shops and local businesses as residents and visitors gathered to celebrate the Fourth of July.