Just as the Red, White and Bloom parade took off Friday evening down High Street, clouds that had been threatening above all afternoon opened up and rain began to pour.
Spectators ducked for cover under awnings and the occasional tent, although some of the younger attendees were happy to splash around in the rapidly-forming puddles as the parade continued on its route.
Vehicles carrying political candidates and local organizations drove by throwing out candy to the now-soaked children, and Jefferson City police and fire departments cruised through in their trucks and patrol cars.
Despite the pouring rain, the Royal Tigerettes troupe danced down the street, draped in plastic ponchos.
But the weather wasn't the only thing that made Salute to America a little different this year.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, many events have been canceled or have adapted to keep the virus from spreading.
Penny Smith, event coordinator for Salute to America, previously told the News Tribune they planned to encourage social distancing and hand sanitation during the event. Signs placed throughout the downtown festival reminded attendees of these guidelines and asked that anyone who felt sick not participate.
The crowds on Friday were sparse, making social distancing an easier task than if the event's typical crowds had come out. During the open ceremony at the corner of Madison and High streets, provided chairs were spaced apart, and some attendees wore masks throughout the festival.
Some events that have typically been included in Salute to America - like the Route 66 Car Show, the Little Mr. and Miss Independence Day Contest, the Building Blocks of America and the Splash 'N Play Zone - were removed from the festival this year due to difficulties with scheduling and adjustments for social distancing and sanitation.
Hiding from the rain under the awning at The Grand Cafe, Stephan Beventhal and Pam Wright watched the end of the parade pass by. The two said they had been several times in the past, noting the event felt emptier on Friday, but they enjoyed it nonetheless.
"It's a really wonderful small town event," Beventhal said. "People love it, and it's always been really nice for everybody."
The pair said they were glad to have something going on during a time when many things have been canceled.
"It's too bad," Beventhal said of the rain. "We were looking forward to it - something to see now. There's nothing else to do."
Earlier in the evening, during the opening ceremony, attendees honored the United States military and veterans and heard from veteran James Shipley.
Shipley - a Tipton native - was one of the Tuskegee Airmen, an all-Black regiment formed in the Air Corp. Shipley enlisted in 1942 and served as a mechanic for the Red Tails 302nd fighter squad, performing maintaince on planes.
The now 97-year-old shared the story of his enlistment and service with the small crowd in front of the Madison Street stage, and he was then presented with a proclamation and city coin from Mayor Carrie Tergin.
The bad weather affected the rest of the evening on Salute to America's first day. Country band Diamond Rio, scheduled to perform at 8:30 p.m., canceled due to the weather.
Salute to America continues Saturday. Live performances, the Kid Zone, Heritage Village and other events begin at 4 p.m. The carnival will open at 10 a.m.
The Red, White and Boom fireworks display will begin at 9:45 p.m.