River pops

Kayoko Dan conducts the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra for the first time during the 2011 Pops on the River Fourth of July celebration at Coolidge Park in Chattanooga, Tenn. Dan is Chattanooga’s youngest and first female director.

For many people, Christmas is the big holiday. For others, it’s the Fourth of July. For Tiffany Hutton, it’s July 3.

That’s the day Chattanooga usually holds its annual Pops on the River at Coolidge Park, with a performance by the Chattanooga Symphony and fireworks.

“It’s my day,” she said. “Christmas is a lot of work, Thanksgiving is a lot of cooking, and on Halloween everyone’s trying to figure out what costume to wear. This is just easy and fun. Everyone is just happy.”

Coming to the Pops been a tradition in her family for six years. This year, Hutton pulled together barbecue, homemade sangria and red, white and blue Rice Krispie treats for her family and friends.