A spell of old-time Americana greeted throngs of Americans and Muscovites similar who swarmed the majestic grounds of the Kuskovo estate on Saturday for the American Chamber of Commerce's annual Fourth of July celebration.

Decorated out in balloons and flags and adding a mini Statue of Liberty to its collection of busts and monuments, the generous estate hosted thousands who braved breezy, cloudy weather and filled free buses from the metro to fete U.S. Independence Day.

The central lawn twisted into a food court lined with dozens of restaurant stalls, as the tormenting smell of hot dogs and grilled shashliks swirled across the grass, where picnickers gnawed on corn on the cob and sipped cold beer. A sound stage set up at the last part of the patio featured live music, including the rock band Voskreseniye.