IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — An estimated crowd of over 220,000 spectators gathered along the Snake River on Saturday night to witness a historic, emotional, and beloved local tradition: the 33rd Annual Melaleuca Freedom Celebration.
Ranked as the largest fireworks show west of the Mississippi River and the fifth largest in the country, this year’s event — coinciding with the United States’ 250th anniversary – marks what could be the final chapter of the event’s decade-long run at Snake River Landing.
To honor the nation’s semiquincentennial and say goodbye to the community, organizers delivered one of the largest fireworks displays in Idaho’s history, launching more than 18,500 shells over the riverbank. You can view highlights from this incredible milestone year in the gallery below, courtesy of Melaleuca. For more information, click HERE.
An Emotional Farewell to a Decade at Snake River Landing
In a pre-recorded message broadcast to the attendees, Melaleuca Executive Chairman Frank VanderSloot expressed gratitude to the men and women who sacrificed for the United States, his sadness regarding the loss of the massive outdoor venue, and his great appreciation to the Idaho Falls community for making the celebration possible.
“We appreciate Ball Ventures making this wonderful venue available to us for the last ten years. I want to thank everyone in the community for the wonderful support we’ve had from you throughout the years, from all over southeastern Idaho,” said VanderSloot. “It warms my heart every time I hear of kids coming home to Idaho Falls from all over the country to be here on the 4th of July. The response from the community has been tremendous.”
The venue at Snake River Landing originally opened its doors to the celebration under a five-year agreement, which Ball Ventures ultimately extended to ten years to accommodate the incredibly popular event. To view the entire recorded fireworks celebration, click HERE.
