Houstonians celebrate Independence Day

Freedom Over Texas fireworks set for 9:35 p.m.

FRIENDSWOOD, Texas – As Houstonians gear up for night of Fourth of July fun, there is no shortage of celebrations around town.

Thousands of people were out at Freedom Over Texas at Eleanor Tinsley Park early Wednesday afternoon.

"I guess it's pretty amazing," spectator Adrianna Campos said. "Everybody getting together for the Fourth of July."

The fireworks show is set for 9:35 p.m. and it will last about 30 minutes.

"The crowd is in for a treat," said Doug Aller of Pyrotecnico, the company that will put on the display over downtown Houston. "Choreographed to music -- every beat. Every shell is precisely timed for the impact."

There are about 2,000 shells that will be fired off during the show, and city officials made certain that everyone and everything in the area will be safe.

"We increased the fallout zones," Senior Fire Inspector Joe Leggio said. "We placed fire equipment in key locations. We identified the wood roofs in residential areas. We will be doing wet downs just prior to the show. We placed standby fire watches on top of the buildings."

With marching bands, great music and fun in the sun, families in Friendswood put on their sun shades and dressed in red, white and blue in honor of America winning its independence. The main attraction in Friendswood was the Grande Parade.

Kyle Crowell said he's been going to the parade since he was a little boy. Now he brings his own son, Benit.

"It's a family tradition every year. He gets to see all the fireworks, tractors and just really support the community," said Crowell.

For veteran Bruce Willmore, the day will always hold a special meaning.

"It means everything to me. The Fourth of July is a very special day, plus my wife and I got married on the 4th," said Willmore.

Willmore and his wife have been married for 14 years.

It's a family affair the residents in Friendswood said they'll pass on from generation to generation. Letting their children know their freedom came with a price, so it's important to celebrate.

Thousands of people celebrated on the beaches in Galveston. City officials said July 4 is one of the most popular holidays.

Personal fireworks are banned in Houston and Galveston city limits.