Thousands enjoy 4th of July firework shows despite the heat

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Most of the crowds started to gather as the weather cooled down and paramedics were on standby in case anyone got sick.

Bigger and brighter is always better for the crowds at Chukchansi Park.

"Even though I am 66, I am still a 2 year old and everyone that goes off I just go ooooh and ahhhh and it is just part of the tradition of 4th of July," said Linda Qualls of Auberry.

Fans wore their best red, white, and blue to the ball game on America's Independence Day and came to cheer on the Fresno Grizzlies -- but then stayed to catch the night's main attraction.

This year, people at the Grizzlies game cooled down with banana splits, and some rather patriotic head gear.

In Clovis, a few families showed up at Buchanan High School during the hottest part of the day so they could grab a good spot to watch the freedom fest fireworks show. "After I wet my head with a wet towel, I finally got cooled down. so we have bandanas wet, and lots of water, we are surviving.

Organizers expected about 5,000 people this year. They set up cooling stations, including misters, to prevent heat fatigue. And then, everyone enjoyed the national holiday.

There will be a number of DUI check points throughout the city on Friday night and police want to remind everyone to be safe.