Tens of thousands at HEB Austin Symphony July 4th celebration

Tens of thousands of people waited several hours for fireworks to light up the sky over Lady Bird Lake. It was for the 41st annual HEB Austin Symphony celebration at Vic Mathias Shores.

Food, family, fun and fireworks - what more could you ask for when celebrating the 4th of July?

"These cute cookies are from Hailey's Bakery," says Brittany Eaton-Jackowski, Austin resident.

Brittany packed a picnic lunch for her family to enjoy at Vic Mthias Shores. Even two-month-old Aurora came along. They didn't want to miss out on the 41st annual Heb Austin Symphony July 4th concert and fireworks.

"You can't really ask for anything better," says Eaton-Jackowski.

Around 100,000 people were expected to come out, which is why many came to the celebration early to claim a spot. They also got creative.

"We brought our lounge chairs with us, just so we can lay down and look at the fireworks go off. It's kind of like laying in the bed of a truck, kind of," says Joe Herrera, Austin resident.

Everything you needed was all in one place, including food trucks and vendors. People got to enjoy the Austin Symphony perform patriotic classics, followed by mile-high fireworks.

"That makes me feel good, that everybody still comes together whether they're a couple, or single, or a family," says Herrera.

The Austin Fire Department encourages events like this since fireworks are illegal in the city limits. They say leave it to the professionals.

Ethan Baldonado says the July 4th concert and fireworks is a tradition for his friends and family.

"I enjoy it, so it's not that hard of a decision to make," says Ethan Baldonado, Austin resident.

They brought a big tent to keep cool but the little ones liked running around in the sun. They're just happy to spend the holiday all in one place.

"The fireworks at the end are nice because of this great view. I also like the symphony; I like listening to them. So it's a lot of fun - all the people and the culture," says Baldonado.

The fireworks show lasted about 15 minutes. Organizers say it gets bigger and better every year.