Afula's special Independence Day festivities attracted tens of thousands of visitors every evening in the new municipal park. The new park stretches over 120 dunam of lush lawns, unique games and recreation area, an artificial lake, hiking and foot paths and a sport-court area. The festivities included three days packed with arts, culture, and creativity and was just one big happy party. The main shows were held in the park's amphitheater, which was dedicated for the first time with the best of Israel's artists and performers.

Independence Day night celebrations were held in "Gan-Ner" at Gilboa Regional council. Thousands of area residents, Jews and Arabs alike, joined together for song and dance. On Independence Day itself, some 3,000 people attended a huge happening in the Mayan Harod National Park in Gilboa. The celebrants spent the day in the pool and on various rides and facilities as sounds of music provided a background from center stage. That night, 400 residents from Gilboa and the entire country had a super successful dance marathon.