See photos: Spectators watch 'Light the Lake' 4th of July fireworks show at Lake Hartwell

On the eve of the Fourth of July, colors of fireworks explosions burst in the air over Lake Hartwell.

The “Light the Lake” event, with spectators watching from their lawn chairs, blankets, on a tailgate, or even from inside the car, provided excitement and cheers. The event was sponsored by Clemson University and the City of Clemson.

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"This is my first time sitting and chilling," said Dan Evjen of Easley, with his son Dan, Jr. and Lex Evjen. "I usually host a fireworks party."

The three came early to pick a place with their fold-up chairs, watching many boats also file into position. "It's going to be a good time," he predicted 90 minutes before the show started.

Barbara Pilgrim of Easley came to Clemson for the July 3 fireworks for a change. "I usually go to Easley, but theirs is tomorrow, so we came here."

A group of freshmen at Clemson taking summer classes decided to enjoy the fireworks on the lake.

"Usually, we watch in our front yard (at home), and I'm excited to see the Clemson one," said Jana Sonnendecker of Charleston.

"I love being with family and friends on the Fourth of July and I love going on the lake," said Sophia Chnoski of Connecticut.

Grace Peters and Bella Hodge, friends since elementary school in Greenville, liked that they could celebrate the Fourth and Bella's birthdays on the same day. "I think with all of these boats on the water, it'll be good," Peters said.

The 15-minute fireworks display before hundreds of seated spectators finished with a finale, and somewhere along the shore, a car horn aired out a familiar tune, "Hold that Tiger," in the distance.

Some in the crowd got a laugh from it.

Along with the drifting smoke and a heavy scent of fireworks, a pleased crowd migrated in an orderly fashion to their cars, having been a part of what some call an American slice of life, a Fourth of July celebration they can remember.