JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – There are a lot of Fourth of July events taking place across the Jackson-metro area, giving people a chance to relax and reconnect.

“We are originally from South America, but we are now all Mississippians. We are full time Mississippians, and we love Mississippi and everything here. And, this is a great, location, and we enjoy it very much,” said one person.

Fourth of July traditions are different for everyone, but some people started their day off at the Farm Bureau Watermelon Classic.

“This is definitely one of them. We usually don’t go out of town, so we’re here. We always see people here that we know, friends that are also doing the race,” said one attendee.

For others, it’s about spending time with family. They said the holiday is too important not to celebrate and enjoy the freedoms that were fought for.