With rockets whistling all around and mortars colorfully lighting up the Moscow twilight, so ended the American Independence Day celebration at Kuskovo on July 8.

Joviality and enthusiasm ran high at the picturesque museum-estate as a total of more than 8,000 revelers stormed the place from 3 p.m. to midnight.

The American style barbecuing suppressed the normal summer forest aromas and the air rang with music, as the partygoers spilled out onto the manicured lawns — playing, eating and relaxing.

Though classical music would have blended better with the historical estate, only pop and rock music could have suited the enthusiasm of the crowd. The Russian band ‘Chaif' got things kicking, belting out tunes as the upbeat crowd danced in front of the stage.

The antique statues adorning the Kuskovo alleys were overshadowed by a 7-meter tall model of the Statue of Liberty.

Eighteen outdoor cafes pumped out the goods, satisfying the enormous appetites of the crowd. Taking on the meanest eaters was the world heavyweight of cakes — the Supercake presented by Radisson Slavjanskaya chef Luc Deecuyper. Prepared from 1,200 eggs, 30 kg of sugar, 60 kg of jam and 30 kg of marzipan, the cake was designed to satisfy 2,500 mouths.

Besides those with an empty belly, the holiday excited those crazy about sports. Sixteen volleyball teams, 27 soccer teams and 3 flag football teams battled it out for supremacy. The winners were DHL — soccer, Marriott — volleyball and Moscow Eagles — flag football.

With the closing of the party, the crowds were invited to try their luck in a $12,000 lottery and 97 prizes, consisting mainly of free passes to lunches and dinners at the holiday-sponsoring restaurants.

The holiday culminated in a fireworks display on the banks of the Kuskovo water reservoir lasting 20 minutes. No doubt the American revelers felt as if they were home for the day.