Against the odds, the City of Marysville united to ensure the cherished tradition would shine on as planned, simply a day later than expected.

Birds chirped and traffic appeared normal - apart from the bustle at the local fire department in the center of town - as responders continued to manage the remains of the fireworks facility that exploded barely a mile away, just a few days before. "No one understands unless you were here," said Toni Mendieta, library branch supervisor.

Some residents from the small Yolo County community of Esparto recounted what they witnessed during a fireworks explosion that has left seven unaccounted for.