WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — The city of Warner Robins is gearing up for their best fireworks show yet, they say. The city's annual Independence Day Concert will take place on Saturday night.
Mayor LaRhonda Patrick says this show has more than 30 scenes that all go off in sync with the music. She says it took more than 40 hours to put together.
Friday, several city departments were out prepping McConnell Talbert Stadium and building the stage. Vendors are getting prepared too.
The folks at Rick D's BBQ are preparing to feed thousands of mouths, out of their food truck and from their store off of Highway 96.
Linette Dantzler, one of the owners, says it's taken more than two weeks to prepare.
"We plan on bringing out some new ideas," she said.
She said the food truck will serve brisket burgers, hamburgers, chicken wings, loaded mac and cheese, and more comfort food.
"A lot of our items, our brisket burgers, we actually grind those down, so a lot of prep time is put into what we do," she explained.
Dantzler says all the time they put into cooking is well worth it. They love meeting new people and filling their stomachs with good food.
They say there was no time wasted in last year's festival despite the delays in last year's event.
"The rain was challenging, but we made a comeback. People started coming back after the rain," Dantzler shared.
While the festival started off with a lot of fun, and vendors got to feed a lot of empty stomachs, several weather delays ended with a show cancellation.
"It was a sad thing to do. The stage was drenched. The equipment has to be protected," Patrick said.
However, with chances that blue skies could turn into rain clouds, Mayor LaRhonda Patrick says they're prepared.
"This year we have tarps to cover the entire stage and all of the equipment instead of just lowering the top of the stage," Patrick shared.
They're also keeping the safety of their 10,000-plus guests in mind as well.
"We have our fire staff, our police staff on duty. We have some cooling stations," Patrick said.
As crews set up for the big day, Patrick is optimistic to have a full show.
"Worst case scenario, if a tornado comes and hits, then everyone has to evacuate and we can't have a show. Other than that, the show will go on, but always stay tuned to our social media pages, our website," Patrick said.
Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. at McConnell Talbert Stadium, but the show starts at 7:00 p.m.
There are 10 parking options. The city will run a one-way shuttle that will pick you up at Middle Georgia State's Campus on Watson Boulevard. It will not take you back after the show.