Live From Borden Park, Where 'Nothing This City Does Compares'

It's not too early to claim your spot for the state's second-largest fireworks show tonight in Rochester Hills.

The officially starts at 6 tonight, but across the park, tarps, picnic blankets and lawn chairs were reported in place at 6 this morning.

"There is nothing this city does that compares," said Alan Buckenmeyer of the Rochester Hills parks department, who was at Borden Park this morning helping set up the stage and information booths.

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The Hill family of Rochester Hills has been coming to to watch the fireworks show since before their youngest daughter Carly was born.

They know all the tricks.

By early afternoon Wednesday, they had two giant tarps side-by-side near the stage and covered them with blankets, a small kids' picnic table, chairs and coolers.

Their plan was to set up the spot, go home to eat some lunch, then come back later for the show.

"Most of the people who have been coming here for as long as we have have their routines and are pretty gung-ho about what to bring and where to sit," said mom Terri Hill. They were expecting more than 20 friends and family members to join them in the festivities on their giant, personalized tarps.

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A few insider tips just in from Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett:

"Parking at the Christian Memorial Cemetery is free and usually allows for relatively decent egress after the show. Please be patient as our crowd is the equivalent of a sold out Tiger's Game with only two two-lane streets leading away from the ballpark! The band is one of the area's best, having performed at two Super Bowls and two Presidential Inaugurations! They start at 8. For the show itself, try and find a seat on the hill where you can view the big screen. We have a few surprises including a super-secret special ending. Most importantly, enjoy the family and the fact that we are one of the few communities that still present a free fireworks show. Have a safe and happy holiday and we will see you tonight at the Festival!"

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Just checked the weather forecast for tonight; according to the National Weather Service, it calls for mostly clear skies with a low around 55 and north-northwest winds between 5 and 8 mph.

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Want to photograph the fireworks tonight? Our photographer, Edward Maurer, tells you how in his tutorial.

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Pat McKay is the director of the . But on fireworks day, McKay said it's "all hands on deck" in the city.

That's why he and other city workers are on site at the park to set up for the show.

"We take this very seriously as a city," said McKay, who was going to be in charge of an information booth at the event. "We need to have everything working just right with the parking and the traffic. It's a fun event but we still need to be sure that ambulances can get through if we need them."

We asked McKay for any insider tips on where to sit.

"There's not a bad seat in the house," he said. "This is a great occasion to showcase our parks."

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For details about the event, including what to bring and where to park, . Check back on Rochester Patch later for more photos and a full report.