Tulsa Celebrates The 4th Of July Along The River

Dan Bewley, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- To ensure a front row seat for the 4th of July fireworks many residents spent the day at River Parks.

Under the shade of a tent, Joe Steinberg and friends decided to make it a day at River Parks. He claimed his spot at 10am.

"Drink a little bit of beer, drink a lot of water, play some volleyball, some horseshoes...we just don't have it all set up yet," Steinberg said.

Several others could be found along the banks of the Arkansas early in the day getting ready for Monday's big show.

Six-year-old Addison Gobble says the best part of the day comes when the sun sets and the fireworks blast off.

"I think they're going to be like the big ones, the circle ones," Addison said.

Brad Mulholland is one of more than a dozen people behind the Tulsa fireworks show. 1400 shots will be fired in 25 minutes. The crew spent Monday going over last minute details and putting the trailers in position.

07/03/2011 Related Story: Green Country Prepares For Big Firework Shows

This year's show is going to be a bit different then last years. Mulholland says last year's shells were smaller and closer to the ground, this year the shells are larger with a little bit more flare.

"Almost everything has a comet on it this year. We've got some big shells that actually have four comets, so it's going to be spraying out and then exploding," Mulholland said.

It will be nearly ten hours of waiting for Steinberg and Gobble. But they say it's worth it to get a prime spot.

"I know this traffic is going to be backed up like crazy, all the good spots are going to be gone...might as well show up a little early, enjoy some time with friends and family and sit and relax and enjoy the show when it gets here," said Tulsa resident Will Gobble.

There's festivities planned for both sides of the river this evening. The fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 9:35.

07/01/2011 Related Stories: Green Country Fireworks Shows