Memory lane - 4th of July in Moscow - 2006

The Independence Day celebration organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia (AmCham) is attended every year by thousands of expats and Muscovites. According to the AmCham website:

The AmCham festivities are considered to be the largest commemoration of Independence Day outside the United States. In addition to one of Moscow's most extravagant fireworks displays, the day features musical performances by some of Russia's best-known bands, traditional American fare on offer from a variety of food vendors, sports tournaments and a special children's play area with moonwalks.

The event's venue – the historic Kuskovo Estate - provides a scenic reminder of Russia's rich and graceful past. Kuskovo is the ideal location for a day of family fun and celebration.

The event is indeed a lot of fun, if you have a high tolerance for corporate-sponsored entertainment and especially you've been in Moscow for awhile, in which case you will inevitably run into people you know. The last time we attended was in 2006 (here is AmCham's photo collage from the 2006 party) - I thought about posting these photos on the 4th of July this year, but didn't get around to it, so here they are a few months late:

Long-lasting Kuskovo culture meets
American-style disposability.

A Moscow cop in an unfamiliar role
as a guardian of Liberty

OMON forces were on hand to guard the main stage.

The fireworks show at the end of the evening.