Hannah Largacci and her daughters, Emma and Maggie, weren't going to let a little rain spoil their Independence Day.

They, along with about 800 others, spent the afternoon at Musser Park's Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration on Friday.

The event included a cakewalk, a performance by a magician, a judo demonstration and children's games.

Emma's favorite was the face painting, while Maggie enjoyed the tic-tac-toe.

Musser Park, located in the 200 block of East Chestnut Street, recently underwent major rehabilitation. The park received new walkways, lighting, fencing and playground equipment.

The Largaccis, who live within walking distance of the park, enjoyed the new amenities.

"This is our first time here for Fourth of July," Hannah Largacci said. "It's nice to have something for the kids to do."

David Aichele, chairman of the Musser Park Civic Association, said he thought the event went very well.

"Despite the weather, it was very successful," Aichele said. "There were more people here than we expected."

Musser Park has held the event for more than 20 years. After taking a hiatus last year because of the renovations, the event was back in full swing.

"We've added a couple of things," board secretary Dave Greiner said. "Like the magician and the judo demonstration."

Greiner and Aichele said patrons of the event are from inside and outside the city.

"People come back every year," Greiner said.

James Pikolas and Dorothy Theros, both of Manheim Township, came to the park to hear the Malta Band of Lancaster play.

The adult amateur concert band has played in the Lancaster area since 1912. Aichele believes they have performed at every Musser Park July 4 celebration.

The band played a variety of up-tempo patriotic numbers.

Charlie's Chicken BBQ of Willow Street provided food at the event.

Jennifer Hummel and Kathy Connors, both of Lancaster, were two of the many volunteers who worked throughout the day.

They said more than 500 chickens were sold.

"Things really started to pick up around lunch time," Hummel said.

Connors, a 30-year Lancaster city resident, has worked closely with the Musser Park Civic Association and the Independence Day event for several years.

"The Civic Association has been doing (the event) forever," Connors said. "It's very popular."

When the band concluded its show around 4 p.m., many began to pack up.

"We're going home to eat our chicken!" Pikolas said.

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Lititz Borough will hold its July 4 celebration today in Lititz Springs Park. The event was postponed Friday because of rain.

Gates open at 11 a.m.

Today's activities will follow Friday's announced schedule from 11 a.m. until the fireworks display at 10 p.m.

E-mail: lfreeman@lnpnews.com