Dozens Stake Out Spot For Idaho Falls Fireworks

If you haven’t already, put on some sunscreen and get the grill fired up, because it’s just about time to celebrate the Fourth of July.

In Idaho Falls, dozens got a jump start by camping all weekend long to stake out their spot for the fireworks.

Workers unloaded pyrotechnics along the greenbelt on Sunday morning for Melaleuca’s annual Fourth of July Freedom Celebration.

Across the river, Cindy Matthews and family pitched their tent in the same spot they have for the past five years. This time, Matthews is camping out to keep it that way.

“This is our family tradition,” said the Utah woman.

It’s all for Monday’s famous fireworks; one of the greatest shows in Idaho and many say, the entire United States.

“We love that they’re so patriotic and they do it to patriotic music and it goes on forever,” said Matthews. “It’s not one firework, it’s several the whole time.”

Janna Mitchell set up camp on Friday afternoon, and not just for the view.

“I’m deaf, so I want to be as close to the fireworks as possible because the loud boom, they’re loud enough you can feel it in your teeth,” said Mitchell.

Until the main event, it’s about keeping busy and cool as temperatures rise to the upper 90s.

“Besides roasting, reading, talking, there’s really not a lot to do,” said Mitchell.

Deanne Wolfe wasn’t exactly roughing it with a battery operated fan and two umbrellas.The Pingree woman and one of her camping neighbors discovered they both share a birthday with the USA.

Isaac will be 5, and Wolfe, well, she’ll be celebrating.

“Just relaxing on the greenbelt and picnic-ing with family,” said Wolfe.

She’ll also have some prime real estate for the booming bright lights.

“The fireworks are right over you,” she said.

“When you lay down and you look straight up, you get to see the full effect, like it’s from the center,” said Matthews. “But on occasion you also feel the debris coming down from the fireworks and it’s just awesome.”