Kaboom Town in Addison
Addison, Texas is actually known nationwide for their incredible fireworks extravaganza, so if you've never made it to Addison for the 4th of July Weekend, maybe this is a good year to give it a try. The most important thing to know is the date. Kaboom Town occurs this year on Friday, July 3rd, so don't head out there on the 4th unless you want to help clean up.
There are really two great ways to experience Kaboom Town. You should either go to Addison Circle Park for the official celebration or make a reservation at one of the local restaurants.
If you choose Addison Circle Park, the festivities are scheduled from 5:00 PM to nearly midnight. Here is the schedule:
5:00 - 5:45 PM Air National Guard Band of the Gulf Coast's Thunder Roll
6:15 - 7:15 PM Studio 54
7:30 PM Cavanaugh Flight Museum Warbird Flyover begins
7:45 - 8:00 PM Plano Children's Chorale
8:05 - 9:15 PM Air National Guard Band of the Gulf Coast and the United States Air Force Band of the West Concert Band
9:20 - 9:35 PM Mayor's Welcome, Presentation of the Colors by the Civil Air Patrol Group 3 Color Guard and the National Anthem featuring Air National Guard Band of the Gulf Coast, United States Air Force Band of the West and Plano Children's Chorale
9:35 - 10:00 PM Kaboom Town Fireworks
10:00 PM Cinema in the Circle - Raiders of the Lost Ark (PG)
This is a great way to take the family to the fireworks, throw down a blanket, and have a great time with constant entertainment. For a little more educational substance, you can get a full narration of the Cavanaugh Flight Museum Warbird Flyover on KRLD 1080 AM. If you decide to try out a different park or watch from a friend's house, you should know that the incredible fireworks extravaganza is completed choreographed to a musical score, and the music will be played via live simulcast on 100.3 JACK FM. Also, although not on the schedule, the Red River Fife & Drum Corp will be playing around Addison Circle Park from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Like I mentioned before, your second option is to enjoy the fireworks from one of the many local restaurants in Addison (which mostly translates as "on Beltline"). Many of the restaurans go all out for Kaboom Town. You will notice restaurants have large outdoor patios all of a sudden that magically vanish again on Sunday and incredible special menu options. I would say that most of the restaurants in Addison make some sort of plans for Kaboom Town, but here is the list of Official Restaurant Watching Parties provided by the Town of Addison:
Antonio Ristorante 4985 Addison Circle Rd (972) 458 - 1010
Avanti Neighborhood Bistro 5001 Addison Circle (972)386-7800
Black Finn Restaurant & Saloon 4440 Beltline Rd (469) 374 -7667
B.J.'s Restaurant & Brewhouse 4901 Beltline Rd (972) 392- 4600
Cantina Larado 4546 Beltline Rd (972) 241- 5500
Chamberlain's Fish Market Grill 4525 Beltline Rd (972) 503 - 3474
Champps 4951 Beltline Rd (972) 991- 3335
Dodie's Cajun Diner 4812 Beltline Rd (972) 387 - 0004
Duke's Roadhouse 4180 Beltline Rd (214) 769 - 2763
Hooters 5005 Beltline Rd (972) 392 -9464
Los Lupes Restaurant 3855 Beltline Rd (972) 247 - 0306
On The Border 4855 Beltline Rd (972) 788-4400
Outback Steakhouse 15180 Addison Rd (972) 392-0972
The Quarter 15201 Addison Rd (972) 788 -1919
I strongly suggest making a reservation if you want to go with the restaurant option. Otherwise you'll find yourself driving up and down beltline looking for empty parking lot tables.