LAUREL – One of the largest, if not the largest, fireworks displays in the state takes place in Laurel.

This famous roar, crackle and bang means freedom for the people of Laurel.

“We have a lot of people going into the military, so on the Fourth of July we celebrate all the good things about America,” says Laurel resident Veronica Erlenbush.

Mack Carmack, MTN News

Erlenbush and her family don't do things by halves when it comes to fireworks. She and her sisters arrive at Thomson Park at 6 a.m. on the holiday to find the best spot to watch.

“I just think it brings us closer together as a community when we remember that everyone is human. Everyone is grateful for the same things,” she said.

But the Erelenbushess are not the only ones. Over 25,000 guests are expected at the fireworks display on Thursday evening.

Mack Carmack, MTN News

The show lasts about 45 minutes to an hour and can cost up to $50,000, all thanks to donations from the community and the hard work of the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department.

Department co-chairs KC Bieber and Jake Vannoy are among the many volunteer firefighters who help put on the show.

Mack Carmack, MTN News

“Everything you see behind us, everything you see us do as a firefighter association, is privately funded. So we go door to door and collect donations. So it's not just our show, it's the public's show,” Bieber said.

Beiber and Vannoy encourage anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter to sign up for next year. Although it may seem like just a one-day event, it takes months to prepare.

“You can apply online. We urgently need volunteers,” Bieber said.

Click the link to sign up to be a volunteer firefighter and help host more shows like Thursday night's.