Hundreds of thousands of people descended on the National Mall Friday for the annual pageant of fireworks and fun known as The Capitol Fourth.  And they got wet.

The National Park Service spokesman Bill Line said the National Weather Service (web|news) cleared organizers to go ahead with the concert and the fireworks because the forecast had no lightning in it.

People began lining up early Friday morning, hoping to stake their claim to one the coveted spots near the stage in the shadow of the Capitol.

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The Pigatt family arrived well before noon.

"This is the best place in the world, D.C. is the place," contends Lakita Pigatt. "What other place has the monument, and the White House, and all these historical landmarks?"

Eric Smith drove eight and a-half hours from Kentucky to celebrate America's birthday, on America's front yard.

"You know, we've got our traditions at home, but they kind of pale in comparison to what's going on here," said Smith.

Among the celebrants, some veterans just back from Iraq (web|news) .

"It's not the pay, not why we do it; they don't pay us enough," said Iraq war veteran Kyle Aduskevich. "It's for the support, and our freedom, and everything you see around right now is why we do what we do."

Once Mall-goers clear one of the 18 access points, with security screeners, they're treated to a host of activities, culminating in The Capitol Fourth concert.

The concert -- hosted by actor Jimmy Smits -- features American Idol Taylor Hicks, Huey Lewis and the News, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell.

The concert begins at 8 p.m., with the fireworks slated to start exploding around 9:10 p.m.

Before the concert, there was a noon parade along Constitution Avenue, featuring marching bands, floats, balloons and military units.

Parking is extremely limited. The Park Police have banned parking on the George Washington Memorial Parking due to the Humpback Bridge construction project and other safety considerations. The restriction will be strictly enforced and violators will be towed.

Gravelly Point, a popular spot just north of Reagan National Airport (web|news), has just 80 spots available.

The U.S. Park Police remind festival-goers that alcohol and personal fireworks are not allowed on the National Mall. Anyone attending the event is subject  to search.

"There will be visible inspection as they come through. Any coolers, backpacks, packages will be subjected to search," said Acting Assistant U.S. Park Police Chief Sal Lauro.

Those looking for alternative places to view the fireworks can visit Rosslyn's Gateway Park, which has a great view of D.C.'s skyline. And there's also the popular Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington. Arlington police will work overtime to handle the crowds and road closures.

In the District, many people gather outside of Cardozo High School in Columbia Heights. Perched on a hill, the location overlooks the city.