COLUMBUS, Ohio — As the Fourth of July approaches this week, many people are eagerly anticipating the 42nd annual Red, White & BOOM! fireworks show Wednesday night.
Despite the questionable weather forecast for that night, Earl Burke, director of fireworks for the event, said they’re staying optimistic about it.
Burke said there’s also some new surprises to look out for this year.
"Their thing to tell me is, 'We're gonna bring the boom back to boom in ways you've never seen it,” Burke said.
Burke is talking about the new fireworks company putting on the show this year. Along with a new company, guests can also expect a new soundtrack that will play during the show… one Burke said he’s confident will appeal to the masses.
"I can tell you we have Taylor Swift in the soundtrack, OSU's in there again this year, Crew is in there this year which wasn't before because of the MLS champs,” Burke said.
This year, there’s also new safety precautions to keep in mind. Both bridges on Broad Street and Town Street will be closed off to pedestrian traffic starting at 9 p.m. on Wednesday.
"If your family's on one side or the other, there's no way we're gonna let you cross. So you have to be thinking about what time it is,” Burke said.
Burke said every year they increase security measures to keep people safe.
"Just remember the person standing next to you may or may not be with law enforcement, you'll never know,” Burke said.
As for the weather, Burke said the show will go on whether its raining or not. The biggest concerns they’ll be keeping an eye on are high winds and lightning.
"If there's a lot of lightning, we will hold the show and wait for either the clear, if its gonna clear, if we do have a window of opportunity to shoot later,” Burke said.
He added postponing the show is not an option.
Rain or shine, Burke said he’s confident it will be a night to remember.
"That 25 minutes is pure power and let me tell you, you'll be on the edge of your seat the whole entire show,” Burke said.
The show kicks off at 10 p.m. on Wednesday along the Scioto Mile.