DES MOINES, Iowa — Crowds arrived early for the decade’s long tradition Yankee Doodle Pop at the Iowa State Capitol.

The music kicked off at 6:30 p.m. with the Turner Center Jazz Orchestra and Des Moines Symphony Academy Youth Jazz Orchestra playing for about an hour.

Things amped up at 8:30 p.m. when the Des Moines Symphony took the stage. They were joined by Matthew Johnson, this year’s winner of “Oh Say, Can You Sing?,”, as they played a variety of patriotic songs from throughout the years.

Hundreds showed up early to the Capitol to claim their spots, many say the performance is an important part of their 4th of July celebrations.

“I’ve been coming out since I was a little kid. My grandma used to take us to this right when Yankee Doodle Pops began and really started. So we carried on the tradition after we graduated high school and the whole family and friends and we bring our whole family and all of our friends back out here every single year,” said Robert, who arrived at 1 p.m. to claim his spot.

“It’s just a fun way to celebrate the 4th of July,” said Kyle, who made it a tradition a few years ago. “I like to see the band play like patriotic music and that and they shoot off the fireworks like right, so while the music’s going on, like, right when the sun goes down, that’s, that’s perfect.”

Those who missed Thursday nights music and fireworks can still enjoy several events happening around the metro. Click here to view local fireworks displays. You can also follow the Urbandale Parade and Festival Friday morning at 10 a.m.