Behind The Scenes of San Angelo's Fourth of July Tradition

SAN ANGELO, TX -- For over 30 years San Angelo has celebrated our nation's Independence Day with the annual Pops Concert performed by the San Angelo Symphony along with the majestic firework display from Ken Landon. 

For 50 years now Landon has built fireworks and firework shows all over the country and in Mexico. 

Landon's craft was even recognized by President Ronald Reagan's administration. 

"The White House called one time and wanted me to make fireworks for Ronald Reagan's inauguration," says Landon. They came and got them in a Learjet.

Aside from Landon's presidential fireworks, his shows over the years in the Concho Valley have been displayed before over 4.5 million people. 

Landon's fireworks shows have been a huge part of the San Angelo community mostly at Lake Nasworthy on the fourth of July and at the Pops Concert at the Bill Aylor Memorial Riverstage.

Having produced fireworks shows for 50 years the question surrounds Landon of when he'll call it a career?

"I don't know when my last year is going to be," says Landon. As long as the symphony buys the fireworks from the people who sell them I'm sure we'll have a show."

According to Landon for a show that might last 20 minutes the work behind it equates to months of preparation but in the end, it's all worth it to bring joy to San Angelo and the Concho Valley. 

"The thing is it's a lot of work," says Landon. "But I pay my people to do the work and as far as I'm concerned I do it mostly as a service. The thing about it is we're here to have a good time and enjoy the fourth of July and make America great."