Original article from BYU-Idaho Scroll.
by Landon Pfile | Jul 8, 2026
Thousands of people gathered at Snake River Landing on Saturday for what is expected to be the final Melaleuca Freedom Celebration after more than three decades of Independence Day fireworks in Idaho Falls.
The 31-minute display featured 18,915 fireworks shells in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, making it the largest fireworks show in the celebration’s history, according to Melaleuca. Ahead of the event, Melaleuca announced the celebration would be its last because development at Snake River Landing has eliminated the open space needed to safely launch the fireworks and accommodate the crowd.
For many attendees, the evening was the end of a Fourth of July tradition that had brought families to Idaho Falls for more than 30 years.
Local resident Glenda reflected on what the celebration has meant to the community.
“Thanks for the last 20 years of fireworks. They have been truly amazing for Idaho Falls and all of Idaho. Thank you from all of us,” Glenda said.
Jessica, who attended the celebration with her family, said the finale was unlike anything she had experienced before.
“The most incredible finale. I feel so blessed to have witnessed it,” Jessica said. “And the thousands chanting, ‘USA! USA! USA!’ What an emotional celebration for our good country’s 250th.”
As the final fireworks burst overhead, chants of “USA! USA! USA!” echoed throughout the crowd, creating one of the night’s most memorable moments.
Mike Talmin, another attendee, said the event was a testament to Melaleuca Executive Chairman Frank VanderSloot’s commitment to the community.
“Mr. VanderSloot rocks. I’ve never met him, and I don’t have any family members who work there, but this guy is a legend,” Talmin said.
Although this year’s celebration is expected to be the last, Frank VanderSloot has not ruled out the possibility of bringing it back. He said the event is ending because Snake River Landing is being developed, leaving no location large enough to safely host the fireworks display and the more than 200,000 spectators who typically attend. He said the celebration could return if a suitable venue becomes available, though no replacement site has been announced.
Whether the celebration returns or not, Saturday’s finale brought one of eastern Idaho’s most recognizable Independence Day traditions to a close.
