Last-minute preps underway for Freedom Over Texas celebration

HOUSTON – Tens of thousands of people will head to Eleanor Tinsley Park for Houston's largest Fourth of July celebration Friday. The annual Freedom Over Texas bash gets underway at 4 p.m. Friday.

The sound of last minute preps is now underway at the park from vendors setting up tents to making sure the main stage is ready.

On a little higher ground, just north of Buffalo Bayou, crews from USA Pyrotechnics are prepping for the big fireworks show.

"You're talking about a six-inch shell whenever this ignites. This is the lift section, when it lifts, puts it in the air 500-600 feet," said CW McGee with USA Pyrotechnics.

They'll set off more than 3,500 fireworks. The entire show, choreographed to music, will last 17 minutes.

"We do have shells that are like five shells in a row, 10 shells in a row," said McGee.

With all the wet weather we've had, fire inspectors don't expect any issues.

"One of the most important things we've done is right here at this firing sight is we've required the mortars be buried in sand," said Joe Leggio, with the Houston Fire Department.

The celebration will go on, rain or shine.

"The cool thing about July 4 is that it is America's birthday and nothing dampens American spirit," said Leggio.

If you're planning to head here, you can park at the Theater District parking garages or the Hobby Center. The fireworks show starts at 9:35 p.m.

Here's a list of street closures (subject to change):

PRE-EVENT TRAFFIC PLAN
Saturday, June 28, 9 a.m. to Wednesday, July 2, 7 p.m.
•Allen Parkway feeder road between Gillette Street and Heiner Street

Sunday, June 29, 9 a.m. to Wednesday, July 2, 7 p.m.
•Allen Parkway outbound (north curb lane) between Bagby and Taft Street

EVENT STREET CLOSURES
Wednesday, July 2, 7 p.m. to Saturday, July 5, 8 a.m.
•Allen Parkway north and southbound exit ramps from the Gulf and North Freeways (I-45)
•Allen Parkway inbound at Waugh (feeder to GilletteStreet to remain open to residents only)
•Allen Parkway outbound at Bagby
•Allen Parkway feeder road between Gillette Street and Heiner Street
•Sabine Street at Memorial Drive
•Walker cut-off to Allen Parkway and Sabine Street (I-45 North on-ramp) and the loop to McKinney remain open
•Crosby Street at W. Dallas Street
•Gillette Street at W. Dallas Street
•Heiner Street at W. Dallas Street

Friday, July 4, 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
•Bagby northbound at Dallas
•Bagby southbound at McKinney

Friday, July 4, 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
•Silver Street at Memorial Drive
•Sawyer Street at Washington Avenue

Friday, July 4, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
•Memorial Drive inbound at Waugh Drive
•Memorial Drive outbound at Bagby

Friday, July 4, 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
•Sabine Street Bridge between Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive

POST-EVENT TRAFFIC PLAN
Saturday, July 5, 8a.m. to Sunday, July 6, 11:59 p.m.
•Allen Parkway feeder road between Gillette Street and Heiner Street

Saturday, July 5, 8 a.m. to Monday , July 7, 8 p.m.
•Allen Parkway outbound (north curb lane) between Bagby and Taft Street