by Evie Stone

After a balloonless Democratic finale at open-air Invesco Mile-High stadium, the traditional convention finale has made its triumphant return here at the Xcel Center.

There's also patriotic confetti, and at one point gold streamers appeared to be shot out of cannons.

No actual fireworks at this indoor speech, though virtual ones are going off on the giant LCD screen behind the stage.

One element of the balloon-drop soundtrack: Heart's 1977 anthem "Barracuda" — an homage to VP Candidate Palin, who was known as "Sarah Barracuda" during her high school basketball days.