Melaleuca Freedom Celebration promises ‘Biggest fireworks show in Idaho history’
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IDAHO FALLS – It’s going to be the biggest and best Melaleuca Freedom Celebration in history, according to Melaleuca CEO Frank VanderSloot, and folks are already looking forward to the Forth of July.
“I think people are enthusiastic because Snake River Landing is a really great site,” VanderSloot said during an interview Friday afternoon. “We’ll have a lot better view of the fireworks and we’re working really hard to make this a great event.”
After 25 years, the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration is moving from the Johns Hole boat dock to Snake River Landing. VanderSloot said growing trees and nearby homes and structures have restricted the size of the fireworks and the new location will allow for an “incredible display.”
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“The sky is the limit,” said VanderSloot. “If you picture the sky as a three-layered canvas, we’ve only been able to use the lower and middle parts. Now we’ll be able to launch the big shells into the upper sky and it will be awesome.”
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Snake River Landing is less than two miles south of the previous fireworks site. The 450-acre development will offer plenty of room for the tens of thousands of spectators expected to watch the fireworks.
“Snake River Landing is thrilled to be part of the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration and to give back to the community that has been so great to Snake River Landing,” Ball Ventures CEO Cortney Liddiard said in a statement to EastIdahoNews.com. “It is an honor to be selected by a company as respected as Melaleuca to be a part of such a long-standing community event.”
“The Melaleuca Freedom Celebration annual fireworks show has been so important to the families in our community over the last 25 years as we gather to celebrate our nation’s independence,” Liddiard said. “It is our commitment at Snake River Landing to support the tradition of the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration and to work with Melaleuca and the city to ensure another great Independence Day celebration in Idaho Falls.”
Word spread quickly on social media that the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration is moving. The majority of comments on the EastIdahoNews.com Facebook page praised the decision.
“This is truly awesome!” Amanda Fleming wrote. “There are so many places to view surrounding Snake River Landing. This will be great!”
Kelly Ingram said, “Looks like I’m coming to Idaho for the 4th this year.”
Melaleuca is now working with pyro technicians to design the fireworks show, which will be choreographed to a patriotic soundtrack that will air on Classy 97 during the event.
Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper said the city will provide the same kind of support and attention to the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration as has been provided in previous years.
“We all know that Idaho Falls is the place to be on the 4th of July and appreciate that this 25-year-old community tradition will continue to be held on the banks of the Snake River,” Casper said in a statement. “The city’s primary role is to provide for public safety and services during such events. I look forward to joining community members, as well as guests, as we turn our eyes to the night sky for this traditional display of patriotism.”
VanderSloot said further details about the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration will be announced in the coming weeks, including a map showing the fireworks launch site and spectator viewing areas.
“We wanted to make sure we got this decision right and I really appreciate the patience the community has had,” VanderSloot said. “This is the community’s event and Melaleuca is really proud to be a part of it. We’ve appreciated everybody’s patience and can’t wait for the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration this year.”