ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. – For the first time since 2019, Red Hot & Boom in Altamonte Springs returned to Cranes Roost Park.

The annual 4th of July celebration had a full lineup of artists and fireworks to accompany the festival.

Local vendors got their chance to participate, as well.

"This is by far the largest event that we've done," said Jessica Echavarria, the owner of Jess's Lemonade.

Echavarria opened her own lemonade business in August 2021. 

Less than a year later, she got the opportunity to be a vendor during the return of Red Hot & Boom.

"I do everything fresh. I don't buy simple syrup. I don't buy the strawberry syrup. I make everything fresh," Echavarria explained.

The idea behind these refreshing beverages she serves started during the pandemic. She was home crafting some homemade desserts, then realized she had leftover strawberries that could turn into a purée.

"Did strawberry lemonade, and it was the best thing."

This lemonade business is kind of like a metaphor for her life. She is truly making the most of what she's been handed.

Red Hot & Boom attracts 150,000 people each year to the annual festival.

After being canceled the last two years because of COVID, the 25th anniversary was a chance to bring back the large gathering, and vendors like Jess's Lemonade are grateful for that.

A few hours of exposure at this festival means the world to Echavarria.

"Life is sweet, you know," she said. "We're here, so it's sweet. Let's make it sweet every single day, man."