On June 18, 2026, Melaleuca Executive Chairman Frank VanderSloot announced that this year’s celebration is expected to be the last. Development at Snake River Landing means the property that has hosted the show for the past decade will no longer be available.
Read the full story at EastIdahoNews.com. Watch the full press conference here.
“This is sad for me,” VanderSloot said. “All our grandkids come home, and the whole family comes together every year. That’s when everyone else’s grandkids come home, too. We don’t want to lose that.”
Melaleuca Executive Chairman Frank VanderSloot speaks during a news conference Thursday morning. | Jordan Wood, EastIdahoNews.com
The 33rd Annual Melaleuca Freedom Celebration will go out with the largest fireworks display in Idaho history — 18,915 shells over the Snake River on America’s 250th birthday.
“If you’re going to bring the kids home, this would be the year to do it,” VanderSloot said. Melaleuca has expressed willingness to continue the show if a suitable venue can be found in the future.
