2008 Melaleuca Freedom Celebration Honors the Spirit of Freedom
With Rare Special Effects and Largest Shells Over The Snake River
Where will you find the largest fireworks show in the western United States this 4th of July holiday? You might think it’s in a big city like Los Angeles,San Francisco or Seattle, but you’ll actually find it in the small town of Idaho Falls. Despite the town’s size, however, nothing is small about this free fireworks show.
Firing nearly 13,000 shells in a 31-minute spectacular over the Snake River, the 17th Annual Melaleuca Freedom Celebration promises to be the nation’s largest fireworks show west of the Mississippi River, as measured by the number of shells fired into the night sky. The 12,974 shells are computer-fired, synchronizing note-for-note and shell-for-shell with music and an inspirational message played over the radio on KLCE 97 FM.
This year, Melaleuca worked with its pyrotechnic company to enhance the fireworks show by adding several new special effects as well as causing the fireworks to explode even higher in the sky, allowing viewers at further distances to fully enjoy the program.
For example, Melaleuca added more than 125 four-inch shells, which are the largest and highest flying shells permitted over the Snake River. It is also combining a variety of newly developed, high-performance component shells, rarely used in firework shows due to their cost, that were specially selected to match the movement of this year’s music. These include diamond screamers, silver twisters, gold whirls, red tail thunders along with multi-shot effects like building a rainbow, crescendo with whistles, hammer with salutes and peacock tails that glitter red.
The music and narration for the show was carefully chosen by KLCE DJ Wayne Richards and Melaleuca CEO Frank VanderSloot to accentuate this year’s theme: Melaleuca Honors the Spirit of Freedom. This soundtrack will be broadcast live on KLCE 97.3 FM beginning at 10:03 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to bring a portable radio to enjoy the full impact and meaning of the fireworks program. Without the radio, you’ll miss the message.
“This will be our best show yet,” VanderSloot said. “I hope these new effects coupled with the sheer firepower of this year’s show send the message to our veterans how much we appreciate their sacrifice in securing and preserving our national freedom.”
Other events at the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration include a banquet along the bank of the Snake River, a performance by the Freedom Symphony and special observances and addresses by Idaho’s top elected officials. Tickets to the banquet and symphony are available for purchase at the Melaleuca store at 560 Memorial Drivein downtown Idaho Falls. For more details about the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration and/or the banquet and symphony event, visit www.melaleucafreedomcelebration.com.
About Melaleuca
Melaleuca The Wellness CompanySM is a manufacturer and distributor of more than 350 natural health, home cleaning, pharmaceutical and personal care products that are designed to be safer and more cost-effective than grocery store brands. Founded in 1985, Melaleuca is a privately held company that generates over $859 million in annual revenue through a sales force that reaches households across North America, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Visit www.melaleuca.com for more information.
