Packing the camper and heading outside with friends and family is a Fourth of July favorite. Rain and clouds haven't kept campers from soaking up the July heat and celebrating America’s independence at Mahoney State Park.
"We are packed, a lot of people coming out and enjoying the holiday today. We got a lot of people out, out camping, picnicking," said Jake Rodiek, Mahoney State Park superintendent.
Paul and Ruth Caldwell, 90 and 86, respectively, were visiting from Hastings, NE, for a family reunion.
"Oh, this place is amazing!" exclaimed Ruth.
The couple has been married 64 years and have five children and more than 25 grand- and great-grandchildren.
"We had people travel all the way from Mozambique and from Seattle and San Diego, Los Angeles. All over the country. Travelled many, many miles just to be here,” said Paul.
"We definitely believe in America, you know what I mean. And the freedom that America has given to so many people,” said Ruth.
"We just came out today. We wanted to enjoy the day. And so, the boys love to fish. Paddle boating is another thing they love to do, and we hope to go swimming,” said Lori Hoffart of Omaha.
"An exciting place to be at with the family, you just get to swim. There's activities for adults and for little kids,” said Juleth Lopez.
"We're like the perfect central water park between Omaha and Lincoln. We've got slides, a wave pool, everything. Everything you could want. Tons of space, good food,” said head lifeguard Caitlin Davis.
"We've got trail rides going on all day. We've got a giant indoor playground up there, and it's all air-conditioned,” said Rodiek.
"It is a great place to go to spend your fourth of July, here at Mahoney,” said Hoffart.
