AUSTIN (KXAN) – After last year’s July 4 celebration was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, Austin Symphony Orchestra CEO and Executive Director David Pratt was just thrilled to be in back on stage and with the community once again.

What he hadn’t expected was a crowd of nearly 150,000 expected for this year’s celebration.

“It’s just something that feels like an honor and a privilege,” said Pratt. “And for that in particular, this is a great community event.”

The 44th HEB Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks is scheduled to resume Sunday, with performances by the Austin Symphony Orchestra before culminating with a 20-minute fireworks display.

However, with a forecast that includes a 60% chance of thunderstorms and scattered rain, how will that work?

Can you shoot fireworks in the rain?

While the rain can be a bit of an annoyance for onlookers, it does not pose a safety risk to those throwing the fireworks – as long as the fireworks remain in sealed containers and are not wet in the water. prior. Wet fuses will not ignite. However, if there is a significant downpour, it could cause a potential delay in the programming of the show, he said.

Event organizers worked closely with the City of Austin, the Parks and Recreation Department, and the Austin Police Department to ensure the safety of viewers during the show. Despite the potential for rain in the forecast, Pratt noted that the likelihood of a cancellation is limited to a torrential storm or thunder and lightning heading into the evening.

A return to major events

For the Austin Symphony Orchestra, the performing arts group got a little taste of a return to in-person performances in mid-May, shortly before Memorial Day weekend. Performing one of the final shows of the season in front of a live audience deeply touched the artists and the guests, said Pratt.

“I think live music vibrates on some level and in terms of our, our emotional state and the way it connects with it, I think it’s about that,” he said. declared. “And coming into this hall in May and hearing the orchestra, this audience, the atmosphere was electric, and I really think the best emotion to describe it as joy. I think the people were just happy.

With a holiday as community-focused as July 4, he said, now is the time when people crave those same types of in-person relationships with each other. And the show will go all out, with a 20-minute fireworks display and a full concert scheduled, valued at around $ 150,000.

This year’s celebration will be similar to the showcases of previous years. But aside from the pomp and traditional circumstances associated with the party, Pratt said Sunday’s festivities would likely resonate even more with spectators, given the emotional toll of the past 15 months.

“It’s about coming together to celebrate Austin, to celebrate our friends and family, and to celebrate this great country and the people who serve this country,” he said.

Know before you go

The 44th HEB Austin Symphony July 4 concert and fireworks will take place on Sunday from 8 p.m. The Austin Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director Peter Bay, will perform patriotic musical numbers, including the 1812 Overture, along Lady Bird Lake.

Around 150,000 people are expected at this year’s showcase.

Several road closures are scheduled for the day from, from 10 a.m. to midnight. A map of the planned closures – including a temporary lane closure on July 3 – is highlighted below.

Transportation options include Capital Metro, the bike and walking path, and the following public parking lots:

• Congress center garages
• State Garages (free garages: A, B, F, G and Lot 18 are free) on Trinity between 13th St. & 17th St.
• State lots at corner of MLK & Trinity and MLK & Brazos
• A center of Texas
• Palmer Event Center Garage
• Town hall garage

For more information on this year’s fireworks, click here.