Addison's Annual Kaboom Town Balances Fun And Security
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ADDISON (CBSDFW.COM) - At Addison's 30th annual Kaboom Town, security is checking through every bag, and limiting the size. They're expecting 50,000 people to come out to Addison Circle Park.
Besides security at the entry gates, there's a also lot of police officers mixed in with the large crowds.
John Wiltgen and his family aren't concerned about anything bad happening. "Can't live like that everyday, matter of fact it hasn't crossed my mind at all, we're excited to celebrate and have some fun."
Wiltgen, his wife, and their four children ranging from ages eight to 18, just to moved to North Texas from North Carolina, and didn't want to miss this event. "The carnival, the air show, obviously, one of the best fireworks displays in the country."
There's a heightened state of alert here and at other large fireworks shows after recent terror attacks by ISIS overseas.
Buck Revell, a former Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas FBI, says, "I don't think it's one of any greater concern than we've had since 9/11."
Revell says if there's a specified threat, law enforcement will be over it.
Without one, they rely on their greatest asset: "The citizens. All those eyes of the people out there, if you see something, say something. Sounds trite, but it's true."
John Wiltgen agrees. "In light of all the things that have gone on in Boston and around the world, you have to be vigilant about those things."
Security is tight all throughout Addison.
The town is expecting 500,000 people on this night, many who will be partying at restaurants and hotels.
Allen Freeland is general manager at the On The Border restaurant in Addison. "We started planning six months ago for this night."
They're expecting 1,000 attendees to watch the fireworks show. "We'll have two security guards that will be out here. One at the front door, one at the back gate, making sure all the people here are safe and having a good time."
Even before the big fireworks show, people will be treated to an airshow where pilot Dan Buchanan will be on this glider shooting off fireworks. He spends two days setting it all up -- and Buchanan says it's got to be right! "It's in the air. You can't just run away. If something isn't working right, you can't runaway."
Pilot Steve Oliver will be setting off fireworks as well and is also gearing up for tonight's air show.
"People say I really enjoy your fireworks and I say you ought to see it from my reaction because I'm doing loops back into it."