CHICO, Calif. - There was a big turnout Thursday morning in Chico's Bidwell Park for the annual community 4th of July celebration.

Chico celebrated Independence Day with a performance by the Chico Community Band at One Mile in Bidwell Park.

First, there was a fun run and pancake breakfast followed by a few speeches by community leaders.

Red, white and blue was the color theme worn by just about everyone at the One Mile celebration of the birth of the U.S.A.

Amy Hawes of Chico said, "They're playing each branch of the service's song right now and having everybody stand up that is from that branch of the service to be honored." This got some of the crowd participating and was a showing of community and national patriotism.

Many were also grateful to see Americans coming together in these polarizing times, despite our differences.

Amy Hawes of Chico said, "I was looking around going there's still simplicity left. You know, you see people dressed in their red, white and blue shirts and shorts and flags and I was touched by the simplicity of just appreciating our country. Coming together in simple matters rather than being political and complicated and negative."

Karen Lemcke of Chico said, "I like people greeting each other that are strangers because they are all good Americans to each other and they're good community members. And our country is different because we've enjoyed people from all nations. We are a social experiment that's still working."

Festivities in Chico will continue tonight at the Silver Dollar Speedway with a fireworks show.

CLICK HERE for coverage of the 4th of July 5K fun run in Bidwell Park.

CLICK HERE for a comprehensive list of North State Independence Day celebrations and fireworks displays.