Workers set up for fireworks display

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Colorful explosions in the sky above the USS Alabama at Battleship Park in Mobile create a beautiful sight every Independence Day.

An American tradition paints light in the sky behind the dull, gray metal of a historical American landmark.

Getting Mobile’s fireworks show on the road — or rather, on the water — is not an easy job for the team behind the scenes.

For two days, rain or shine, pyrotechnics experts unloaded 1,300 pounds of explosives onto a barge.

The bombs are dropped and the fireworks will be timed and set off by a computer.

Each explosive is carefully unwrapped and strategically placed and, at times, covered with a tarp to protect them from the afternoon downpour.

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Rain the day of the show gave the workers a much needed break, but they had to hold on to their tent, otherwise, it would blow off.

As soon as the rains go away, they're headed back to work to quickly finish their work.

It takes hours upon hours of work to produce the 22 minutes of explosive bliss and wonder but even after the show, the work is not done.

The crew will spend another eight hours tearing the equipment down.