Fireworks and Thunder Rattle Sky

Just as area concerts were rolling into high gear for Independence Day celebrations -- and the fireworks displays were all lined up, ready for skyward flight -- the rain that had eluded much of the Triangle for so long arrived. And the torrents were accompanied by thunder and lightning.

In some cases, the fireworks shows were postponed until Sunday night. In others, those colorful showers of stars were triggered right through the rain.

Officials at the Raleigh fireworks show decided it would be best to reschedule the performance for Sunday night at 9:15 at the State Fairgrounds on Hillsborough Street, just west of the beltline.

Everyone who fled for their cars at Cary's Regency Park, however, missed the show. Everything was fired off, despite the weather and despite a previously announced raindate of Sunday night.

Thousands of spectators had gathered for the free annual concert and the accompanying fireworks that are set off over the lake.

With the air close and humidity high, the Cary Community Band presented a spirited, march-focused program from 5 - 6 p.m. The North Carolina Symphony took over the bandshell at 7:30 p.m. The rain began about 8.

Also in Raleigh, a Jimmy Buffett concert delighted Parrotheads who had arrived at Carter-Finley Stadium and Trinity Farms.

The severe storm in the middle of Buffett's set stopped nothing. It seemed that just about all the dedicated 47,000 fans stayed right in place.

Meanwhile, Rolesville, Clayton, Mebane, Lillington and Duke University all went ahead with the scheduled fireworks shows.