BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bisons faced the Rochester Red Wings to kick off the Independence Eve Celebration at the ballpark at 6:05 p.m. Wednesday.
So, if you were looking for a place to see fireworks tonight, you'll get to see a baseball game and a concert, too.
We wouldn't have a display, without doing all of the setups. Matt Shaw with Skylighters has been lighting these up for a long time.
"Twenty-one years! This is the biggest show for the Buffalo Bisons with the BPO [Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra]," Shaw said.
One thing they do is set the firework in place. And no, they are not cannons. They're more of your typical legal backyard fireworks just with a little more oomph.
One thing they do is set the firework in place. It's more of your typical legal backyard fireworks with a little more oomph!
"It's a crackling effect that will be a great visual on the field," Shaw says.
And to create the type of show Shaw wants, there needs to be a lot of them. Shaw says there are several thousand fireworks. Then, each firework gets wired in so a computer can control when each shoots out.
"We have 59 shows over the next four nights. It all starts a year in advance with all of the planning and permitting and getting all the logistics," Shaw said.
It's shows that these Western New Yorkers enjoy to see every year.
"Every year it gets better and better. My kids are loving it. It's good times. We've been coming out here for the last 15 years. I upgraded to a suite. It's all good," a baseball fan says.
Families are also starting new traditions.
Gates opened at 4:30, and the Independence Eve Celebration officially started at 6:05 with the first pitch.
After the game, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra played a concert full of patriotic tunes and pop classics. There's also the big fireworks show.
And there are special moments tonight to honor the men and women who have served our country.
"That's what this day is about, you know, it's also fun and a celebration, but there's a reason why we get to celebrate, and it's from the sacrifices and the heroic efforts of so many people, and we're honored to tell two stories tonight. First, our first pitch. Joe Synakowski from Buffalo. 94-year-old World War II veteran. You might do the math in your head, it might not add up and that's because he was 15 when he enlisted. He lied about his age so he could fight for his country and that's truly heroic," said Brad Bisbing, the Buffalo Bisons assistant general manager.
Grand Island's Charles DeGlopper, who also served in World War II, was a Medal of Honor recipient and will be honored as well, during the game. He helped save his platoon after the Normandy invasion.
Tickets are still available at the box office.
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