BEAUMONT, Texas — Thousands of people packed the lawn of the Beaumont Event Centre for the 38th annual 4th of July fireworks show.
Families dressed up in their best 4th of July attire to watch the fireworks and celebrate America's big day.
"We see this as a very good innovative project bringing the community together where families can have fun and also celebrate independence. Remembering 4th of July is a time to reflect where we are coming from, where we are right now, and where we are going," said Femi Oloruntoba, a Beaumont resident.
For families it wasn't just the beautiful display of fireworks or the piping hot food that bought them out by the thousands, it was the sense of community seeing friends and fellow neighbors.
"I'm looking forward to seeing a bunch of my friends and hanging out with families and being able to see a bunch of fireworks and haves so much fun," said Vidor resident Tyler Laprocina.
Beaumont Mayor Roy West was also at the celebration. This is his second 4th of July as mayor. This year he decided to bring his grandson.
"Buffalo is 7-years-old and he's going into the second grade and we have nine grandchildren but Buffalo is here with us right now," West said.
West's grandson Buffalo said he's most excited to see the fireworks because he likes the colors.
"You get to see so many different people. And so this is just a great time for me because I get to walk around, and see everybody, greeting everybody. You know it's just a fun festive time and it's a birthday celebration for all of us," said West.
City officials say multiple city departments work year round just to prepare for this event.
12News spoke with the company putting everything together for a look at how they prepare for the show. Sky Wonder Pyrotechnics say they have more than 1,000 fireworks ready to set off tonight.
"I'd say just enjoy the show, and have a fun and safe 4th of July," said Sky Wonder pyrotechnic operator Kenton Hannemann.
Preparing Beaumont's annual fireworks show takes a lot of work and coordination. It's a job Sky Wonder has taken on for three years now.
"There's a big team that's behind the scenes doing a lot of stuff back at the shop in Liverpool, and they organize and setup stuff. And we're responsible for coming here unloading the mortar racks where the shells go into," Hannemann said.
The city says this year's show is one you won't want to miss.
"The biggest fireworks display in all of Southeast Texas, goes off over the beautiful lake. And it's just a fun time for the entire family to come out and enjoy a free event. We have live music, we have food vendors out here," said City of Beaumont Public Information Officer Tracy Kennick.
This year's show was 18-minutes long with about 1,000 shells.
Hanneman says they use a remote system to control the show.
"Each shell has a place for it to communicate in the module you can have up to 36 shells on one module," said Hannemann. "These have an electric match that connect them. Otherwise each of the modules communicate amongst each other. And with the remote. And the remote is pre-programmed to shoot the show synchronize with the music tonight."
During the grand finale you'll see about 160 firework shells sparkling in the night sky.
"Cause those are wired as 10 shells all at once. So one trigger of those sets off 10 at one time," Hannemann told 12News.
The city wants to remind you it's illegal to pop fireworks in the city limits.