When bumper-to-bumper traffic flows south out of downtown like the bumper-to-bumper traffic heading north out of downtown, we know something big has been happening. Something big in this case was the Second Annual Fourth of July “Stars and Stripes” fireworks extravaganza at Hemisfair Park.
The event, sponsored by the Greater Chamber of Commerce, came off flawlessly, at least for those of us gazing skyward from outside the Park. Police estimate that a crowd of 275,000 gathered in the Park. If there were any major incidents, we haven’t heard about them.
Traffic aside, not everyone was able to come downtown, or better yet, watch from back yards, patios, sidewalks, and other urban core spaces. So we offer a few minutes of the show for those who stayed home.
The display lasted 20 minutes. Here is a three-minute version:
Here is the one-minute finale:
Next year, plan to come downtown. Better yet, move on down. If you can see the Tower of Americas from your new home you can see the fireworks.
By the way, not every city fared as well with its fireworks shows as San Antonio. Unfortunately, 28 spectators in Simi Valley, California were inured when premature explosions on the ground sent ignited fireworks spraying into the crowd. Illegal fireworks set off in Seattle caused more than $1 million in damage to a boatyard. You can read and watch videos of the Simi Valley disaster and others by clicking on this Atlantic Cities story.
Follow Robert Rivard on Twitter @rivardreport or on Facebook.
Related stories:
Colliding Canoes, a Paddling Congressman, and July 4th Fun
Museums in the Current: Hardberger’s Homage to the San Antonio River
Fourth of July: Firework Shows at Hemisfair Park and Woodlawn Lake
Paddlers Take to the River at Fourth of July King William Yacht Club Regatta
A Cornyation Virgin’s Voyage Through Cringes and Glitter
The fireworks were great! The view from the Hays St Bridge was great!
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing! Does the Hemisfair Tower serve meals during the show? I’d live to see a video taken from the observation deck!
Sandy
Good question. We will ask. –RR
Sandy
Sandy —
The Chart House at the Tower of Americas, owned and operated by Houston-based Landry’s, is a high volume operation that does not want to field media or customer inquiries that require it to deviate from its automated telephone system, which works well for booking a table, but not for connecting with a human who can answer questions. We couldn’t find a place on their website where we could send them an inquiry via email, either. We did connect with one person on the phone, who said she didn’t work yesterday, and didn’t know if the Chart House had been open. But then she said customers who dined there were welcomed to have post-dinner drinks on the observation floor and watch fireworks. Sounds like a package. Your best bet would be to try and book a table for July 4th at 8 p.m. next year, either now or a few months beforehand and see what results. Good luck. -RR
I have friends who have indeed purchased a dinner package that included watching the show from the Tower. They loved it.
We watched it on a hill near Trinity , Devine and Hildebrand. Also got to see the fireworks from Sam Houston