Freedom Celebration at Snake River Landing

Idaho Falls is a Mecca for Fireworks

Image credits: Freedom Celebration at Snake River Landing

Some say Idaho Falls is the gateway to the West, but if you’re in the Yellowstone Teton Territory’s largest city, you know it’s ground zero for celebrating Fourth of July.

The largest fireworks display west of the Mississippi, the 33rd Annual Melaleuca Freedom Celebration dazzles spectators at Snake River Landing in Idaho Falls→. This ground-shaking, adrenaline-filled fireworks display is free to the public and will be sure to wow viewers with its choreography as it composes surreal moments, spectacular crescendos and rare special effects.

“This show rivals the pyrotechnic giants of Boston, Washington D.C, and Philadelphia, as measured by the sheer number of shells in the air,” said Heather Gobet, a fourth-generation pyrotechnician charged with firing the show.

Beginning at 10 p.m. on July 4 at Snake River Landing, Melaleuca will launch over 18,915 brilliant shells into the night sky over the banks of the Snake River in honor of America’s Founding Fathers, veterans, and service members.

End The Day

With A Bang

This year, Greater Idaho Falls Transit (GIFT) will provide shuttle service for attendees who need assistance getting from the handicap parking area to the celebration grounds. Shuttles will run a loop from the rear parking lot at 901 Pierview Drive, behind the former Love at First Bite location, with drop-off east of The Waterfront.

Last month the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration→ and Melaleuca Executive Chairman Frank VanderSloot announced that this could be the last year for the fireworks display.

“If you’re going to bring the kids home, this would be the year to do it,” VanderSloot said.

The holiday festivities kick off early with the Idaho Falls FireKracker 5K at 7 a.m. on Boulevard at Tautphaus Park. At 9 a.m., the parade begins at the intersection of 4th Street and Holmes, travels west along 4th Street, south on South Boulevard and finishes at Tautphaus Park.The Idaho Falls Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. along Memorial Drive.

By 11:30 a.m., families start filling in at Snake River Landing→ starts for the Idaho Falls Community Hospital Riverfest→, featuring local food vendors, live entertainment and kids’ activities that last all day including helicopter rides! For only $85 per person, riders will take off from Snake River Landing, soar over beautiful Idaho Falls to Ammon and fly over neighborhoods, the LDS Temple, Melaleuca Field, downtown and of course, the iconic falls.