Addison's Blowin' Up

Kaboom Town is definitely an upgrade from lighting a string of Black Cats from a tree limb to celebrate Independence Day--though you can't deny the hours of entertainment (or hospital trips) of lighting your own explosives on the Fourth. Hosted at Addison Circle Park for more than 20 years, Kaboom Town has been named to the top 10 list of firework displays by the American Pyrotechnics Association, a top 10 show in the United States by USA Today and one of the top 25 shows in the country by the Wall Street Journal. The explosive fun starts at 5 p.m. Friday with food and drink (soda, beer and wine) vendors, free live music by military bands, a Warbird flyover including stunt tricks and parachutes by Cavanaugh Flight Museum, activities for families and children, and a 30-minute firework display around 9:30 p.m. To avoid traffic delays, stick around for a free screening of Raiders of the Lost Ark at the Cinema in the Circle. The city expects around 400,000 people, so come early. Admission is free. For more information, call 972-450-2851 or visit addisontexas.net.