The city of Meriden celebrated Independence Day a day early.

Families gathered at Hubbard Park on Wednesday evening to enjoy live music, food trucks and games before watching a huge fireworks display.

“I've been doing this for 21 years and every show, every show, I get butterflies in my stomach,” said Gary Brazil, lead technician at Pyrotechnico.

Brazil says it took hours to set up the exhibition on Wednesday.

“Throughout the show there are different effects. You might see purple or yellow fading. We try to make art out of it. 'Oohs' and 'ahs.' That's what we want to see.” 'Oohs and ahs,' Brazil said.

Crews were also busy setting up the stage for live music at the James J. Barry Bandshell in Hubbard Park.

“It will be Daniel Hardin, an up-and-coming guitarist/songwriter,” said David Cooley. “We have a saxophonist and a keyboardist who are originally from West Hartford, New York.”

The city of New Britain was also preparing for its fireworks display. The event takes place on July 4th and is called the Great American Boom.

“During Covid, we started this in the Willow Brook parking lot, and it just worked really well, so we decided to keep it that way,” said Mayor Erin Stewart.

Stewart says thousands of people will come to Willow Brook Park to celebrate Independence Day.

“It’s a family tradition to go to the fireworks every year,” said Mariangeles Villegas of New Britain.

And some families will enjoy it for the first time.

“This year we got everything under control and managed to buy a ticket in time, so we are excited,” said Darona Hersh of West Hartford.

Mayor Stewart says the city is doing something new this year to make it easier for visitors.

“We have great lawn signs with QR codes that take you to maps so you can see what the traffic flow is like,” Stewart said.

Tickets are $10 per car and parking passes must be picked up prior to the event.

Those interested can purchase their tickets at the Willow Brook Swimming Pool on Wednesday before 7:45 p.m. They can also visit New Britain Stadium on Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

“Of course, that doesn't mean you can't track them from anywhere in the neighborhood, but if you want to park right at the front in the best spots, you have to get the parking pass before you drive into the parking lot.”

The event starts tomorrow at 7pm and the fireworks start at 9:30pm.