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Jun 29, 2008 2:23 am US/Central
Severe Weather Cuts Celebrate Freedom Short
FRISCO (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
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At first the biggest weather concern was the heat, but by late afternoon as the storm rolled in, Celebrate Freedom event staff directed people to take shelter inside and forced the cancellation of the largest free outdoor concert in America.
KTVT / KTXA
Thousands of people descended on Pizza Hut Park in Frisco to enjoy free Christian music concerts and family fun on Saturday.
"It's a great opportunity for anyone out here, with their whole families and not worry about how much it cost," said Wren Tidwell, who has attended the event for several years.
In the beginning, the biggest weather concern was the heat. The Frisco Fire Department treated dozens of people for heat-related illnesses like dehydration and even transported a handful to the hospital.
By late afternoon, however, as the storm rolled in and lightning flashed in the dark sky, event staff directed people to take shelter inside the facility or go home.
As attendees huddled under awnings, in suites, restrooms and even locker rooms waiting for the concerts and other activities to resume, they learned the two-day event -- billed as the largest free outdoor concert in America -- would be cut short.
"It's sad the enjoyment is going to end," attendee Walter Taylor said as he left the venue.
Event officials cancelled the show because of lightning concerns.
Meteorologist Mike Burger explained the cold front that was in the area is rare for this time of year and brought thunder in front of it and rain behind it.
Some reports indicate as much as 4 inches fell in parts and officials remind residents to be mindful of small streams where flooding could occur.
In Celina, there were reports of at least one fallen tree and downed telephone poles in Cooke County.
The storm, as predicted, lost intensity as the evening progressed, but not before a lightning strike caused a house fire in Hurst.
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