Wausau Finance Committee Approves $8,500 Contribution to Independence Fireworks Show

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 -- 8:00 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) The Wausau Finance Committee has approved an $8,500 contribution to a proposed multi-jurisdictional Independence Day Fireworks Show planned by Wausau Events for 2024.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, Board President Pete Valiska says they plan to launch the show from the Wausau Airport, which will also be used for the Wings over Wausau fireworks show in mid-June.

He says that means all the infrastructure for the show will already be in place in an area that’s known to the professionals firing the display. “We have canceled or moved one show in all the years we have been working at the airport,” said Valiska. “That’s over 20 years. [That one show] was moved due to a heavy downpour.”

Valiska notes that they don’t plan an all-day festival or event for the show. They will open the airport grounds for viewing and will provide trash cans and portable bathrooms for those who want to take in the show.

Spectators will also be encouraged to bring their own food and beverages. He added that they will be working with larger shells this year after last year’s event led to some disappointment among residents.

The show was billed as viewable from multiple points in Wausau and the surrounding communities, though some of those areas didn’t provide clear viewing of the show. That included Marathon Park where the trees obstructed the view.

Wausau Events Executive Director Allissandra Aderholdt says the display is planned for Thursday, July 4th with a rain date of July 5th reserved just in case. The group is looking to secure financing from other neighboring communities.

They’ve already picked up a commitment from the Village of Rib Mountain. Last year’s event also included support from Schofield, Weston, and Rothschild. Tuesday’s vote was unanimous. The proposal still requires approval from the full city council, which is expected at their first meeting in May.

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