LONGVIEW (KYTX) -- Hundreds of people in Longview are gearing up for the biggest lights show in the city tonight. This year's Fourth of July Freedom Celebration is getting underway right now. CBS 19's Abby Broyles is live at the exhibit hall at the Longview Rodeo Arena.
We are just about 3 hours away from the kickoff of this year's fireworks show. Right now sponsors and their families are making their way inside the Exhibit Hall. These are the people who made this year's celebration possible. Tonight organizers say it's about families celebrating together and honoring our veterans.
3,000 pounds of fireworks arrived early Wednesday morning at the rodeo arena with thousands expected watch the sky light up over Longview Wednesday night. The non-profit group Longview AMBUCS Too, which helps people with disabilities, is hosting the event again this year.
"This is our 3rd year, it does take a lot of sponsors and we're so thankful for our sponsors because it costs us $50,000 just to do the fireworks," event chair Carmela Davis said.
Carmela Davis with AMBUCS too says this year's celebration is about more than just the fireworks.
"At 8:00 we're doing the veterans ride which is where we're giving Amytrykes to veterans," Davis said.
Amytrykes are therapeutic bikes built by those with AMBUCS Too. They're specially made for people with disabilities to ride them - and this year, several local veterans will be surprised with a new bike to take home.
"At 8:00 when we do that we're going to do a parade route down Cotton street and back so hopefully people in the community can see what we're all about," Davis said.
Physical therapists say the Amtrykes will help the veterans with long-term injuries improve their mobility.
"These guys came out of the war wounded, worn out, exhausted and started their families and probably have never done much for themselves other than take care of everybody else," physical therapist Sue Haywood said.
After the veterans ride Wednesday night, the fireworks show will begin. Organizers hope everyone who comes this year will remember the reason we celebrate independence day.
"These vets fought for our freedom, and that's what it's about," Davis said.
About 500 people are expected here at the freedom festival, and just across from us over at the rodeo arena, organizers say the fireworks are ready to go for the big show. Parking is available for the show at the Maude Cobb Convention Center.
This year's fireworks in Longview are synced with music on 105.7 KYKX radio. The show should last about 30 minutes with 1,000 fireworks lighting up the sky.
