Shooting off 18,505 fireworks, and expecting over 200,000 spectators, Idaho Falls is once again gearing up for an explosive Fourth of July at the 31st annual Melaleuca Freedom Celebration.
“For those who want a front-row seat, come to Snake River Landing as it’s the perfect place to view the fireworks display,” Frank VanderSloot, the executive chairman of Melaleuca, said in a press release. “The show is all around you. You’re going to feel the ground shake beneath you.”
Paid for by Ball Ventures, Snake River Landing has the only amphitheater in the U.S. designed for fireworks shows.
The fireworks show, again being the largest west of the Mississippi River, will be expected to rank in the top five fireworks shows in the U.S., according to the release.
This year’s show will start at 10:03 p.m. and last 31 minutes. It will cover an area wider than two football fields, with a new layout for additional firing zones. It will feature distinct fireworks that have never been used anywhere else in the world.
The fireworks, shot off by Western Display Fireworks, are synchronized with a soundtrack of music, historical audio clips and narration. The soundtrack is broadcast on Classy 97 KLCE. Those in attendance at Snake River Landing will hear the soundtrack on a network of over 100 wireless speakers.
The event will use the Galaxis Wireless Firing System, which is also used in the Olympics, to ensure that fireworks explode within a hundredth of a second to the beat of the music.
Before the event, visitors are recommended to review parking and traffic maps at FreedomCelebration.com/Parking. After the show traffic will only flow one way out of the parking lots, so spectators are encouraged to choose parking based on the direction they want to go after the event.
Traffic plans were developed by the Idaho Falls Police Department, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, Idaho Transportation Department, Horrocks Engineers, Ball Ventures, Melaleuca and others.
According to the Idaho Falls website, cell services typically go down during the event, so attendees should expect to be unable to call or text while at Snake River Landing. It’s recommended to discuss safety plans with everyone in your group before attending in case you are separated, or in case of an emergency and you are unable to call 911.
The Idaho Falls Police Department will be roving the event on bike and on foot. Restrooms, first aid stations and a family reunification area for lost children will also be available on site.
The show begins after the 2024 Idaho Falls Community Hospital Riverfest. The all-day festival at Snake River Landing will feature food and live music.