KTKA

"We take off work for it," Pamela Asbury said.

For Galen and Pamela Asbury, the week at Sundown Salute is their vacation, and they've claimed their spot under this tree for 8 years now.

"We love that Junction City does this every year," Pamela said. "We look forward to it every year."

The free music and activities have thousands of people like the Asburys making their way to Junction City's Heritage Park.

"The first night was probably the largest crowd we've ever had on opening night," Sundown Salute Co-Chair Bob Story said. "We estimated between 5,000 and 7,000 people here."

This 5-day Fourth of July celebration is the largest free festival in the state of Kansas, with everything from a rainforest experience to making your own music video.

Magician Greg Frisbee has been one of the favorites for the kids.

"It was scary what he did sometimes" Maci Debenham, from Abiliene, said about Greg Frisbee's act. "He put like a torch with fire on it and I was just like 'oh no'."

For families like the Debenhams, a kid-friendly environment that doesn't cost much is the perfect way to spend their independence weekend and the Sundown Salute crew is hoping the nice weather sticks around for Saturday night's headlining band Grand Funk Railroad followed by the fireworks extravaganza.

"I think it will just get bigger as the nights go on," Story said.

They expect 15,000 to 20,000 npeople Saturday night.

The festival continues through Sunday July 5.