News 12 @ 11 o'clock -- July 4, 2009

AIKEN/AUGUSTA --- People from both sides of the Savannah were ringing in Independence Day with pride by celebrating in their own special way.

"It's a celebration of our independence. It's also an opportunity for families to get together and have a wonderful time together,"said Charles Shepard.

"It means friends and family and getting out in the sun and barbecuing and having fun,"said Susie Wessel. For Susie and her family, the fourth of July is more than just about firing up the grill, it's about making a splash."It's so hot here in Aiken. We're from California and it's a little bit warmer here. It's just nice to get out and cool off,"said Wessel.

But Susie's family isn't' the only ones opting to ditch the grill for the pool. Dozens more were diving in to cool off.

"There's always a party here and i always like a party,"said Ella Morton of Aiken.

"I'm staying cool and my friends are at the pool and they've got a lot of contests and games," said Adelle Dennis of Aiken.

But no matter what people were doing during the day, when nightfall came both the young and the young at heart were all looking forward to the same show in the sky.