Independence Day celebration goers had stalls upon stalls of food to chose from and drink to keep them going during a long and hot day of performances.

There were dozens of tents up offering all kinds of food, as well as roaming vendors with trays heaped with snacks and soft drinks for the masses.

But how did the vendors fare?

Senara Pesuleli, who arrived around 10.00am, had a hard time moving her sandwiches and chicken rolls, she said. But her hot dogs flew off the table.

And first-time stall holder Goodnews Molesi, running his uncle’s food stand for the first time said most foods were selling nicely, but the best part was meeting lots of happy people.

“We came here around 3:30, and it was enjoyable. This is our first time here doing this kind of thing.

“I don’t know this, so getting to meet people, smiling  and giving them what they want, and them saying thank you, that experience is all good.”

Mr Molesi said soft drinks have been the most popular seller due to the heat, and hardly anyone was buying spring water.

Nearby, with a display of ie lava lava’s as well as a selection of food and drink, vendor Temukisa Fiso said she having a successful day.

“There are plenty people coming for water, ice and food… Today is a good day for shopping and it’s a good day for us to make money, and to help people.

“From early in the morning it was so busy for coffee and breakfast, and now we are waiting for other people.”

Independence Day is special for Ms Fiso, and for all Samoans, she added.

“This is the day we had to stand on our own.”