Against the odds, the City of Marysville united to ensure the cherished tradition would shine on as planned, simply a day later than expected.

Birds chirped and traffic appeared normal - apart from the bustle at the local fire department in the center of town - as responders continued to manage the remains of the fireworks facility that exploded barely a mile away, just a few days before. "No one understands unless you were here," said Toni Mendieta, library branch supervisor.