You won’t find a better place in the 22 states west of the Mississippi River to watch a Fourth of July fireworks show than right here in Idaho Falls, Idaho. That’s because our town hosts the largest fireworks show west of the Mississippi River. When measured by the number of shells fired, the show offers more firepower than what you’d see above the skylines of Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Houston and other major cities.
Creating one of the best fireworks shows in America has been a passion for Melaleuca, a direct marketing company that manufactures 450 natural health, home cleaning, pharmaceutical and personal care products. Now in its 23rd year, the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration will launch 17,490 shells over the Snake River in a 30-minute production that is free to the public.
The Melaleuca Freedom Celebration hasn’t always held the top spot in the West. A few years after Melaleuca CEO Frank VanderSloot originally created this fireworks show, he resolved to ramp up the fireworks count. This came at a time when many cities were downsizing or canceling their shows altogether. After researching the shell count needed to create the top show west of the Mississippi, Frank gave the nod. He was done with saying the show was the second or third largest in the West.
Frank’s childhood in northern Idaho has shaped the event into what it is today. He recalls the simple joys from making sparklers out of mulberry weeds, building campfires and watching the neighborhood fireworks rise over Cocolalla Lake. He saw that fireworks pulled people together and created a spirit of gratitude for our soldiers and veterans. He believes they still have a similar effect.
With Melaleuca’s support, Frank VanderSloot now watches a more elaborate show. The Melaleuca Freedom Celebration averages more than 10 shells per second, launches thrilling special effects and culminates in a grand finale of thousands of shells.
Melaleuca adds to the show’s budget each year to ensure it remains the largest show west of the Mississippi. All fireworks are choreographed note for note and shell for shell with popular music and patriotic messages.
Although the fireworks are visually electrifying, Frank hopes people pay special attention to the message that accompanies the high-flying illuminations.
“Melaleuca created this experience to pay tribute to our country’s soldiers and their families, all of whom have sacrificed for the freedoms of this great nation,” VanderSloot said. “The combination of fireworks, music and message stirs emotions – people feel a deeper sense of patriotism and appreciation for our nation’s heroes. They use these moments to reflect upon the blessing of being an American.”
And Frank has seen that people don’t keep those feelings to themselves. The Melaleuca Freedom Celebration’s popularity has spread throughout the region. It now triples the city’s population, entertaining the immediate audience around the Snake River and those viewing it from miles away.
Logistics for the show require a six-day process from the pyrotechnic team at Western Display Fireworks. The Oregon-based company produces 300 fireworks shows per year, but the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration is its largest.
As far as choreographing the program, Western Display uses its technology to synchronize each shell with the music. Precision between the breathtaking explosions and the music heard over the radio happens because the fireworks are all computer-fired. The designers decide which special effect to use depending on the mood of the song or patriotic message at that moment.
The 2015 program, Remembering America’s Heroes, is broadcast live on KLCE Classy 97.3 FM. Along with the music, a narration takes the audience through key events in our nation’s history. Spectators are highly encouraged to bring a radio and tune into Classy 97.3 FM to hear the message and meaning behind the dazzling display.
The fireworks begin to light up the sky and reflect off the Snake River at 10 p.m. For more details, visit the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration website.