New Firework Effects Previewed For 2015 AmericaFest

(FOX 11) The next few days are going to be busy with traffic tie-ups and checkpoints that will be set up around the Rosebowl as preparations are made for AmericaFest.

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Thursday, organizers set up a practice round of the fireworks show for safety and FOX11 spoke to the man behind the fireworks show!

"The Fourth of July is about freedom, it's about independence and it's about celebration that with fireworks," Paul Souza of Pyro Spectaculars said.

Souza is the producer of the biggest fireworks show on the west coast, AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl.

"I've never had a barbecue. I set up fireworks so tens of thousands of people can applaud and smile," Souza said.

Americans have celebrated our country's independent with fireworks for hundreds of years. And, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Paul and his family have been working behind the scenes for the past 50.

This year they've got 8,000 fireworks effects weighing more than 2.5 tons and it's all set to music.

"There's moments of the show where we honor our heroes. They're really slow and powerful," Souza said.

The sneak peak of Saturday's show was not just for fun, it's also about safety.

The Pasadena fire department's Lisa Derderian has that covered.

"Our big concern is a fire danger. Especially with the drought. More so this year because there has been water restrictions enforced in these cities," Derderian said.

Fire retardant foam has been sprayed on the surrounding brush and water tankers will be on standby.

She says there will be additional checkpoints surrounding the entrances as a precaution to the heightened terror threat.

"We really need to rely on the public. If you see something say something. Even if you think it's something small. Don't hesitate to call," Derderian said.

Souza says he'll do all he can to keep spectators safe and smiling through the show.

"It's the biggest show west of the Mississippi. Let the professionals be the professionals," Souza said.

Tickets for Rosebowl are $13 for adults Children age five and under are free.

The festival starts at 2:00 p.m. Fireworks start at 9:00 p.m. Afterward a showing of Despicable Me 2 is planned.

Concerns? Call the Pasadena Fire Department: 626-744-4241