Posted July 4, 2008 7:28pm

On Friday, NBC15 News got a sneak peek at the behind the scenes setup for Madison's Fourth of July celebration.

"I think it's going to be on the of the best ones in the area," says Ken Pettis, fireworks coordinator.

It all takes place at the top of Elver Park. Nearly 3,000 fireworks shells are setup hours before the show during the day to produce the colorful display you see at night.

"We got here before the guard was here and we set our stuff up and went back. Got some more stuff and came back," says first time fireworks go-er, Christopher Gamble.

He and his family just moved to Madison from Paris, France. This will be their first Madison fireworks experience so they decided to head out early and make a day of it.

"We got a little pop up thing here. We're making brats. We got a little folding table a couple coolers and hammock," says Gamble.

They are just one of the many families who came out early to stake our their spot before the park got too crowded. This family friendly event had people setting up as early as noon playing catch or enjoying the many food and beverages to pass the time.

"Make a night out of it you know?" says show sponsor Brad Austin. "Come see a free fireworks show. Don't spend a ton of money cause there's not a whole lot of things you have to buy. Just come down and have fun for free."