HOUSTON – Thousands turned out for the 30th Freedom over Texas celebration Tuesday evening. Fireworks lit up the downtown sky in Houston.
The party started at 4 p.m. and ended around 10 p.m. on Independence Day 2017 at Eleanor Tinsley Park.
To celebrate the milestone, the event began for the first time in its history with a patriotic tribute by the U.S. Air Force Band of the West.
"We brought about 40 members here today for our first ever performance here for the city of Houston to kick off the Fourth of July and our independence," Maj. David Alpar with Air Force Band of the West said.
"This patriotic celebration represents the epitome of what we stand for as Americans," Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said.
It was expected that 50,000 people were to show up, but it's not clear what the final count was. Security and safety were big concerns for organizers, especially in the Texas heat.
During the festival, firefighters rode around with first aid kits, while Houston police officers were on the ground and on patrol horses.
Grammy-nominated and CMA-winning artist Hunter Hayes, followed by multi-platinum selling and 2016 MTV Video Music Award-winning DNCE, took the stage before the big fireworks display.
"I'm a huge fan of Hunter Hayes and DNCE. I'm really excited to spend the Fourth with the rest of Houston," said Neha Goel, who came to the festival with her friends. "I came last summer. Actually the fireworks are spectacular so it's awesome."
Some said they were just sticking to staying under trees to keep cool in the summer heat.
"Shade, lots of shade and beer," Fabian Martinez said.
There were five entertainment zones for all types of music lovers of all ages.
Good team! @AFBandoftheWest and aerialists from Carver High School give us a preview of their performances in Freedom of Texas! @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/4FNooY9QlP
— KPRC Cathy Hernandez (@KPRC2Cathy) July 4, 2017
Wow! Check out these aerialists from Carver High School. They'll perform at Freedom Over Texas tonight! @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/9PfcX23iTo
— KPRC Cathy Hernandez (@KPRC2Cathy) July 4, 2017
