Drenching afternoon rains before the Fabulous Fourth festival at the Georgia International Horse Park couldn't dampen spirits and families gathered with chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy fireworks that lit up the night sky. The city estimated there was a slightly smaller crowd than last year's estimated turnout of 15,000, due to the uncertainty of the weather. No cars were turned away and at least one of the parking lots still had room, according to city spokesperson Jennifer Edwards.

Earlier in the afternoon before the skies opened up, families also turned out to celebrate and enjoy neighborly company at the annual Levett Community Barbecue at Veal Street Park.

Here are a few scenes from the festivities.

To see more pictures from the Fabulous Fourth, go to http://covnews.mycapture.com/mycapture/category.asp?CategoryID=56714

Send us your pictures from July 4th and we'll post them online! Send them to news@rockdalenews.com