Post Register’s Readers’ Choice Awards: Best of 2022

After a spirited competition involving 150,000 votes, reader of the Post Register newspaper awarded the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration the title, “Best Annual Event” for the fourth consecutive year. They appreciated the free fireworks display held each year and the opportunity to watch one of the top-grade fireworks displays in America.

Recognized by USA Today, Travel + Leisure, Reader’s Digest, and other national media as a leading fireworks show, the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration has also been highlighted by the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA), the nation’s leading fireworks group.

APA Director Julie Heckman made the following statement about 2021’s event:

“Although the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration may be off the beaten path in Idaho Falls, Idaho, it’s worth the effort to behold this remarkable, competition-caliber fireworks show. This is one of the nation’s largest fireworks displays, and it’s been listed on the APA’s list of ‘Must-See Independence Day Fireworks Displays.’”

This year’s display launched 18,237 high-flying shells over the banks of the Snake River, making it the largest show this side of the Mississippi.  The 29^th Annual Melaleuca Freedom Celebration also made history as one of the first major fireworks displays that primarily used American-made fireworks. It coordinated throughout the year with leading manufacturers in America and custom-built many fireworks that were shown exclusively for this show.

“Because American-made fireworks are quite expensive, it is very unusual to have them comprise the majority of a large show,” said Heather Gobet, whose family-owned company has fired more than 10,000 shows over 74 years. “Because Melaleuca supports American manufacturing, the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration is the only major fireworks show I know of that does not heavily depend on China! You can’t get more patriotic than that!”

The spectacular rockets are choreographed beat-for-beat and shell-for-shell with a 31-minute patriotic soundtrack. The narration reminds viewers what this presentation is really about: honoring America’s heroes and paying tribute to the 1.2 million service military who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

“The Melaleuca Freedom Celebration is more than just entertainment on the Fourth of July,” says Melaleuca Executive Chairman Frank VanderSloot. “The combination of fireworks, music and message provides magical moments of reflection and an opportunity to re-pledge allegiance to the flag that represents our nation. On a different level, it’s a heartfelt, unifying event for the community—but more importantly, it’s a tribute of gratitude to America’s heroes.”

Melaleuca Float Awarded “Best Commercial Entry” in Local Parade

In other news of the day, the City of Idaho Falls started off its Fourth of July activities with the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce’s “Liberty on Parade.” During the awards ceremony, Melaleuca received the award for “Best Commercial Entry.” It was an exciting celebration for Team Melaleuca, as there were 55 other commercial entries and 124 overall floats in the parade. This was the second award in three years recognizing Melaleuca’s patriotic spirit!