Big Bang Boom kicked off it's 49th annual show

NORFOLK, Neb.-- The Big Bang Boom festival and firework show kicked off its 49th annual show last night in Norfolk.

Boom Fest, the annual tradition of fireworks over SkyView Lake, started in 1976 to commemorate America’s bicentennial.

Big Bang Boom officials claim they attract tens of thousands of people each year.

Along with fireworks, there's also live music, parks, and vendors to enjoy before the show.

The event started out as a relatively small show and later became a major two-day festival.

The starting budget for the event in 1976 was $1,500. Since then, that number has skyrocketed.

Big Bang Boom generates an estimated $1.5 million in economic impact for Norfolk each year.