40th year tradition Red, White & BOOM

While Independence Day is a holiday known for sunshine and outdoor celebrations, forecasted thunderstorms kept many Columbus residents inside Monday morning.

Yet the weather couldn’t keep Morrow County resident Mitch Walker from going over 12 hours in advance to set up his viewing spot for the Red, White & Boom fireworks in Downtown Columbus.

“It feels weird when I’m not here, to be honest,” said Walker, a military veteran who has attended the festival for more than 30 years.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Red, White & BOOM!, the largest fireworks show in the Midwest, returned to downtown Columbus on Monday night.

The fireworks were set off from the east bank of Genoa Park beginning at 10 p.m., NBC4 brought the display live from a steady shot atop the Mount Carmel College of Nursing in Franklinton, looking east toward the Scioto River.

while the event was big as ever, safety was still a top priority, and city leaders had a plan in place to ensure that. 

The city had officers visible on foot, bikes, horses, and in cruisers, as well as some in plain clothes. They also had officers patrolling neighborhoods that were ready to respond to any calls. 

Mobile security cameras and watch towers were also in place, and for those in the crowd, law enforcement urged people to leave weapons at home and locked up. 

With the recent rise in crime downtown, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said safety is more important than ever. 

"Our officers ... they really stepped up, and when they took that oath to be a law enforcement officer, to protect and serve, they took that really seriously," said Chief Bryant. "They will be enforcing the laws. They won’t be down here, enjoying the fireworks with their family. They will be making sure you’re enjoying the fireworks with yours.”40th year tradition Red, White & BOOM

There was also a Youth Zone and 5 Missing Children Booths at the event. 

Fireworks lit up the sky in downtown Columbus Monday for the Red, White & BOOM event: the largest firework show in the Midwest.

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Sarah H

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