Fireworks bring 50K to Lake Eola

ORLANDO, Fla. — Tens of thousands of people  gathered in downtown Orlando for Fireworks at the Fountain Thursday.

In years past, 150,000 people have packed Lake Eola Park for the show.

People were already staking out a good spot for the night.

"We're expecting to see a lot of the fireworks," 9-year-old Kevin Don said.

The city of Orlando did not plan to disappoint – 50,000 park-goers were expected to come out to Lake Eola for its 36th annual Fireworks at the Fountain event, some for the first time.

"I want it to be a really big time because it's my first time. I want it to be unforgettable," park-goer Liferey Perez said.

Others have been coming to the city's Fourth of July fireworks for years, and knew if they didn't arrive early, they weren't going to get a good spot.

"If you're not here early it's going to get crazy," park-goer Fari Ishani said.

WFTV caught a glimpse as crews got thousands of fireworks ready before they were taken to the middle of the lake for later Thursday.

Vendors had also been putting in long hours in order to feed the crowds.

"It's taken us about three days to get everything ready," vendor Dawn Talarigo said.

Vendors hoped that preparation translates into dollars from serving about 50,000 people.

When it came down to it, some people just cared about the show.

"It'll be really cool, everyone will be excited," said 7-year-old Kaylah Don.

"Celebrate the Fourth of July, it's going to be really awesome," Kevin Don said.

WFTV viewers got the best seats in the house for Thursday's show.

WFTV's Jorge Estevez, Martie Salt and Renee Stoll brought viewers live coverage of Fireworks at the Fountain from Lake Eola starting at 9 p.m.

WFTV