So, I’m always torn every year trying to find a balance between having a nice view of the fireworks and getting out of there before the kids start school in August.
Last year we were just off Skyline, and we were able to get out ok — no complaints there — but I wish we would have been closer to the fireworks (there’s nothing like having the fireworks literally fill half the sky. I’ve been there before and it’s amazing).
Anyway, getting ready for the fireworks this Friday night, any thoughts on the best spot?
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Gato got runned over by Marcus many moons ago. Be ye daft, 2486? 
Let's have a new poll, alright, Joe?
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You are correct, if you sit in those odd places (such as just off Skyline, out by the airport) you can see the displays (other than some of the lower explosions) pretty good.
But, being right on the riverbank is a wondrous opportunity that can’t be beat.
Bring sleeping bags? Porta Potties, and those chemical handwarmers, and a Thermos of soup? I wish there were a better way!
This year we’ll be gathering with some friends and have opted to forgo the display at the river opting instead to have a big BBQ / block party with our own fireworks. A friend of mine lives on this dead end cul-de-sac and him and the two neighbors on each side of him have all agreed to pitch in for food, fireworks and adult beverages of course.
We rented one of those bouncy houses for the kids and we’ve got a ton of fireworks. So we plan to have a great time without all the rude people and traffic this year.
I’ll tell you about the last couple of years we went to see Franks extravaganza. (the same thing happens each year, which is why I’m only listing 2, both the West side and the East side experience) And to tell you the truth, the experience just wasn’t worth the headache in my opinion, but one must always think of ones family in a situation like this.
In 06 we parked on the west side of the river off of Utah street. There are a number of vacant lots there, but you have to get there super early because they fill up fast. And since we got there super early, we were incredibly bored for at least three hours. Granted there’ s stuff to do down there, but there’ s not THAT much stuff to do. We found a great spot on the grass amongst all the duck poop and spread out out blanket. As the hours went by more and more people showed up, stepping on our things and being very rude. But it’s to be expected with that many people, so we didn’t let it get us down. Finally the fireworks started going off and although we thought we had a great spot, this huge tree blocked most of the show. By that time people were packed onto the greenbelt like sardines and there was nowhere else to move to get a better view. When it was over it took 40 minutes to get out of traffic and make it home.
Last year we parked on the East side of the Greenbelt over by the Post Office in the hopes of having a better experience both with the crowd and with the traffic. Not so much! Again, in order to get a good spot one must arrive at least 3-4 hours (and that’s cutting it close) ahead of time in order to pick out a good spot to sit. What amazes me is how many people will come early to set up their chairs, blankets and whatnot and then abandon them until the show starts. So you’ve got hundreds of empty seats and “reserved” spots of people that came hours ahead of us and staked a claim and then left so they wouldn’t need to hold said piece of real estate.
This time we had a little better view of the fireworks, but the people were even more rude on this side of the river than the other side.
I don’t know, maybe it’s just me but I’m not a big fan of crowds like this to begin with. It just seems like the rudest people come out to events like this that are free to the public and most of them have absolutely no respect for those around them. Thinking we’d have an easier time with traffic being on the East side of the river was a big mistake. The traffic was twice as bad and it took well over an hour to get home. (we only live 6 miles from the greenbelt)
So this year we’re forgoing Franks Festivities and will enjoy our own! You can keep the crowds and the rude people. And really, ya seen one of Franks show’s you’ve seen them all. Each year is the exact same as the last. Don’t get me wrong, it’s mighty kind of ole Frank to put on a show for the city, but this year ours will be better. Better food, better company and better…..oh yeah…NO traffic!
But I hope all of you that go enjoy yourselves and have a wonderful 4th of July! And lets not forget what this day means. It’s got nothing to do with fireworks and hotdogs but a celebration of our country, our independence, and the freedoms we all should never EVER take for granted! Happy 4th Everyone!
By far the best place to watch the fireworks is on the greenbelt. It’s no wonder people stake out their spots sometimes the day before just so they can have the prime location.
I’ve seen fireworks all over the United States and can tell you the show Melaleuca puts on for the Fourth of July celebration is second to none I’ve ever seen. They tout it as the biggest fireworks show west of the Mississippi, and from what I’ve seen I believe them.
I heard that our US congressmen and senators come down to see the show year after year.
The downside, when you’re the city with the biggest show west of the Mississippi,with people coming from cities (and I heard recently even neighboring states) it’s going to get crowded. One year it took me over an hour to get out of the parking lot!
I’ve learned over the years, though, and I think I’ve found some solutions to the crowds:
1) You don’t have to start 1st thing in the morning, go find yourself a spot by 6:30 or 7:00pm.
2) Bring blankets to sit on – it helps make watching the show a more pleasant experience, and helps to mark your spot (but don’t just lay out your blankets and leave one person to watch… you should have at least 1/2 your group stick around or others will get frustrated with the amount of space you’re taking up)
3) Park in an easy-to-get-out location – parking farther with a bit of a walk can help you get home more quickly. I have my favorite spot (which I won’t reveal for fear it will never be available again) but I can tell you parking along Broadway or farther may be a good idea. When I used to park there I’d find myself walking past cars stuck in traffic until I got to my spot and magically at about broadway everything was moving semi-smoothly.
4) BRING YOUR RADIO! The fireworks are synchronized to an entire music program played on KLCE 97. So grab that old boom-box, make sure you’ve got fresh batteries, and have it tuned in as it starts to go dark. It changes the entire experience. (to me, watching this show without the radio is like watching a movie without the sound – it’s just not the same experience)
5) Bring a small cooler with some snacks and drinks. I always get the munchies waiting for the fireworks.
6) While waiting for the show to start, spend some quality face-to-face time with your family, friends, and loved ones. I find in my life there’s much too little of that, and this is a great time of the year to relax and enjoy eachother’s company.
7) Be courteous and patient while traveling home.
8 ) Don’t buy it for a second when you hear someone hype the Pocatello show, their show doesn’t hold a candle to what we have in Idaho Falls. (but if you ever wonder, just travel down their one year… just be ready to be really disappointed. And to have an even longer ride home.)
All in all the 4th of July is one of my favorite times of the year. The parade, the food, the family, and the relaxation – ending it with the fireworks show makes it for a great holiday.
i get notes from ISP, and this PRESS RELEASE was issued yesterday about parking, I’m sure we’ll see this on the local news and the paper too.
IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE
Region 6 Patrol, 1540 Foote Drive, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
For Immediate Release
4th of JULY MELALEUCA FREEDOM CELEBRATION TRAFFIC PLAN
Due to the large volume of pedestrian traffic mingling with vehicle traffic on and around John’s Hole Bridge during the annual Melaleuca Freedom celebration fireworks display there will be no parking on U.S. 20 before, during or after the fireworks on the grassy areas from Science Center Drive to Saturn Street on July 4, 2008.
This parking ban includes the interstate exits and entrances. “No Parking” areas will be clearly posted. Vehicles that are parked on the pavement or grass will be towed at the owner’s expense. The public is invited to put their lawn chairs and blankets on the grass area, but due to visual impairments caused from vehicles parked on the grass, no vehicle parking will be allowed again this year. This parking ban is for your families’ safety in an effort to keep the holiday safe and accident free.
Due to the large volume of pedestrian traffic mingling with vehicle traffic on and around John’s Hole Bridge during the annual Melaleuca Freedom celebration fireworks display there will be no parking on U.S. 20 before, during or after the fireworks on the grassy areas from Science Center Drive to Saturn Street on July 4, 2008.
After the Freedom Celebration Idaho State Police Troopers and Idaho Transportation Department traffic crews will be blocking exits from U.S. 20 onto Lindsay Boulevard and Riverside Drive southbound in an effort to break up traffic congestion as soon as possible. Vehicles wishing to travel east on U.S. 20 will be directed to the Science Center and the Lewisville Highway exits before being allowed to turn back into the residential areas of Idaho Falls. This parking ban includes the interstate exits and entrances.
This new traffic plan should make the holiday more enjoyable for you and your family by allowing a faster exit and safe driving from the 2008 Melaleuca Freedom Celebration.
Idaho State Police Troopers will also be working diligently to remove alcohol and drug-impaired drivers by implementing emphasis patrols in the area. If you drink during the event be prepared to call a cab or have a sober designated driver
– Sergeant Peterson
Well, I’m certainly not going to knock the fireworks here in Idaho Falls as many of the locals love the show on the greenbelt. Each year I hear about how “it’s the best show this side of the Mississippi”, but I certainly wouldn’t go that far. I’ve been to a number of firework shows around the counry as well and I will say that for a small town their not bad and if you have a family, it’s a nice evening out sitting around the greenbelt to enjoy them. But you definitely have to arrive very early in order to get a half way decent spot. And arriving early means you better plan to sit there for a few hours with a cooler full of goodies like Joe suggested and a good book to keep you occupied. I find that if you have little ones this can be quite hard on them, so I would suggest bringing them something to play with or some coloring books to keep them occupied. I went the last two years and each year was exactly the same as the last, so I’m opting to spend this fourth with some friends and have our own show. The crowds are a force to be reckoned with so have some patience and be prepared. We found the best way to go about it is to just hang around after the crowds leave. You’ll have to wait about an hour, but then you won’t get frustrated having to deal with all the traffic while sitting there wasting fuel for 30-45 minutes.
Good luck & happy 4th everyone!
Whatever else you decide to do, make sure you visit the flag display at Liberty Field on the corner of W Broadway and Bellin. It never fails to move me. It is spectacular.
Hey Cali….what’s the “flag display”?
I think Cali is talking about this: http://www.thetitleofliberty.org/photos.html
Here is the link to information about it: http://www.thetitleofliberty.org/
And here is some good information about the fireworks show: http://www.freedomcelebration.com/faq.html
Cool….thanks Joe!
Thanks for the links Joe. There’s a woman I work with who was asking today if anyone knew of where to find more information regarding the festival and fireworks show, so this link will help to answer all her questions.
I also thought it was nice of Sgt Peterson to provide everyone with parking information and to remind us about the dangers of drinking and driving.
I hope everyone has a safe & happy 4th whatever your plans may be! :
Arttiste..Joe put up some good links…It truly is worth a visit, especially if you haven’t been
I agree with Artiste”..seen one of Vander’s show you’ve seen em all. I admire the Salute to WW2 Vets but funny how Vietnam Era was skipped (who said Draft Dodger?) hmmm. But on the bright side the annual Meleleuca sales convention gets a good fireworks show. I like the Pocatello Fireworks Show better myself, its bigger I think and they call it the 4th of July Celebration. As for the above comment about Idaho Senators and Congressmen attending the Freedom Celebration…thats something to be real proud of just, keep Larry Craig away from the porta-potties. Just remember all those who gave their all for our freedom and have defended it over the years and raise a glass to them! (you just can’t do it along the greenbelt or in a city park).
I personally think it’s rude for people to go out there days in advance and take tent stakes and rope off sections they want to reserve for the fireworks show. They were showing a number of people doing that on the news this morning and I think its just plain rude. It should be on a first come first serve basis the day of the show. Roping off area’s days in advance is selfish and wrong IMHO!
I think everyone makes some good points here. And while our fireworks show may not be the biggest, it’s certainly “one of the biggest” this side of the Mississippi, according to the news this morning. And although they tell us each year that this years will be bigger than the last, the news did mention that they’ll have a number of firework shells that will go off that they haven’t had in the past, so that’s something our family will look forward to.
Others also make a good point that you should arrive early. This is a must!! Especially if you want to get a good seat. Like GuestHouse pointed it, I too think its extremely rude for people to rope off their own personal areas days before the show even starts. That should NOT be allowed and I have a mind to go along this evening and rip them all up out of the ground! I think it should be a first come first serve basis “on the day of the show”. And while I think it’s perfectly fine to set up some lawn chairs or blankets a few hours before the show starts, I think “roping off an area” is just plain rude and unaccepatable. Like CR67 pointed out, we also wait around until the crowds thin out before fighting the traffic. What’s better, sitting by the river and relaxing, or sitting in traffic wasting gas?
We plan on barbequeing with friends the day of the show and then piling in the Suburban and driving down between 7 or 8..The fireworks won’t go off until 10, but arriving any later than that and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a decent spot to view the display.
And while I think Pocatello puts on a very good show as well, why drive an hour to go down there when you can stick around here and enjoy ours? Not this cowboy!
Best of luck to all of those venturing down to the show and Happpy 4th of July to all!
The artiste made a very good point as well: lets all remember what this day is about and take a moment to honor those men and women who gave their lives fighting from the freedoms we have and sometimes take for granted today. They paid the ultimate price for you and I to be able to sit here and speak our minds. So lets all give them the recognition they deserve!
Those wanting something to do after the parade may want to go down to memorial drive for the Liberty Festival on the Falls. Food, games, contests, live music, etc. A great outing for the family.
As far as I’m concerned no one should be allowed to stake out an area at any time unless they are prepared to personally stay there. If you want to stake it out at 9am so be it but you or someone better be there the whole time.
Personally I wish the parks and recs people would make a point of pulling any stakes they see left unattended. I noticed this morning that areas are already being staked off.
That’s what I’m saying! They started staking these areas out yesterday and I think it’s downright rude! They do this and then meander to the greenbelt 20 minutes before the show starts while everyone else has to sit there for hours reserving their space. I’m with G of a G on this one….I think I’ll go out there late tonight and start taking them down. Wouldn’t that be a hoot to have them show up shortly before the show to see their spot taken by a nice family who in my opinion would deserve it much more than these lazy sons a ^&%*#’s.
Watching the fireworks on TV is good enough for me.
I fought the crowds for years and finally realized it just isn’t worth it.
If nobody is there, pull the stakes up and throw them away. Do it the day before and day of the fireworks.
If they have no name on it and nobody there to guard their spot, nothing prevents you from pulling the stakes for social justice.
ANARCHY!
there are alot of those stakes and blankets floating by the falls area./duh- who would of thought?
I was driving down Memorial today, there were “no parking” signs on street sawhorses on the islands in the middle…but then they also had “handicapped parking” signs on those sawhorses…
Do they have special arrangements for those with handicapped tags to park on Memorial? I guess that’s nice, but if it’s too crowded to get out, what good does it do them?
“duh, who would have thought”?? I wouldn’t have thought 3 days before the fireworks show! I don’t think it’s right either. But, we’ve got a lot of selfish people out there, so what do you expect?
I expect first come first served you should stay with site no reserves no early overnight camping.
Here’s an idea. Parks and Rec could rope off areas in the prime location. They would then hand these spots out via lottery. Like the duck race everyone could buy chances which would make it fair for everyone, would stop the early roping off, and raise some money to boot.
Personally I think we should contact the Parks & Recreation Dept regarding this issue. And here’s how to do that: You know what they say about “the squeaky wheel”.
Parks & Recreation Director
Dave Christiansen 612-8482
E-mail: dchristiansen@ci.idaho-falls.id.us
General Inquiries tbhawker@ci.idaho-falls.id.us
Parks & Recreation
Administration Office
520 Memorial Drive
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
p 208-612-8480
f 208-612-8179
Happy 4th of July!
Wow, a lottery for the good sites, raising money, too! I like that idea…
my biggest gripe is there’s no rule or standard….what’s to stop a guy from staking out a HUGE square on the greenbelt….have you seen some of these spots already?? I know Idaho Falls is home to some large families, but this is CRAZY!
Actually we did that once. There were about 50 of us and it was across the river off Broadway. We did a huge barbeque with all the kids, lawn chairs, etc., and stayed to watch the fireworks. We started showing up about 5ish but another guy cordoned off the area the day before. It wasn’t all family, just mainly a lot of couples with their kids.