How Rockford’s new Fourth of July fireworks location will deliver different highs and lows

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The change of location for this year’s Fourth of July fireworks will give the annual display new highs and lows.

Switching the launch point from the east bank of the Rock River to the Jefferson Street bridge will give the display a higher elevation for its launch point and a clearer view for spectators to see ground effects, said Ted O’Donnell, co-chairman of the Rockford 4th of July Civic Committee.

“The specialty of the show is that it’s going to be shot from a higher elevation, and I think that’s going to give us a whole new feel to the show,” O’Donnell said. “Since we’re at a higher elevation, people are going to feel more immersed in the fireworks show.”

The Jefferson Street bridge hasn’t been used as a launch point for the annual fireworks in about 25 years. O’Donnell said there were a few times they had tried ground effects from the east bank launch point, but they weren’t as effective. Now, there will be better vantage points for people to see the ground display on both sides of the bridge.

“We’re so used to everything shooting up in the air and blowing up and that’s it,” O’Donnell said. “Now, granted, we do lose the six- and seven-inch shells that shoot and explode the size of two football fields. So we make up for that with really cool ground effects and spark-outs and some really slow-hanging fireworks, too, that give a beautiful effect.”

The 30-minute show is again produced by Pyrotecnico, the largest pyro company in North America.

Where to watch

The Fourth of July festival grounds are also moving this year from the longtime home of Davis Park and Ingersoll Park. Instead, live music and food will be located along Water Street, inside Joe Marino Park at State and Water streets and under the Rockford City Market pavilion.

That move was made as the city moved forward with its long-standing plans to revamp Davis Park, which spans about 7 acres along the riverfront at 320 S. Wyman St. The changes include a new concert stage, playground, skatepark, recreation path, concession stands, restrooms and pieces of public art.

So what will the prime viewing spots be this year?

“I think State Street bridge is going to be, like it used to be, was the best premier viewing location,” O’Donnell said. “Chestnut Street bridge is going to be fine, too. Along the river banks is going to be great.”

The riverbank by the Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman St., will be open for viewing with a section close to the bridge blocked off as a fallout area. Lot 19, the parking lot on the north side of the Jefferson Street bridge at Wyman Street, will be closed to the public.

The Riverview Ice House, 324 N. Madison St., will also be a public viewing area with a section cordoned off for fallout. No cars will be allowed in the Riverview lot so people can set up chairs and blankets to watch the show.

O’Donnell said any riverfront spots such as Prairie Street Brewing Co., social clubs such as the Verdi Club and Lombardi Club, and Riverfront Museum Park will have great viewing.

“It’s going to be a glorious viewing regardless,” he said.

Raising funds

The display is again funded by donations and sponsorships without the use of tax dollars. That has been the case for the 60 years the civic committee has put on the fireworks show and parade.

It costs about $60,000 for the pyrotechnics display itself, and the committee plans to spend a total of $80,000 when including insurance, permits, food and beverage, and other costs.

“Sponsorships are way down this year, and we know we’re not the only (nonprofit) that’s having issues with it,” O’Donnell said. “It’s just been decreasing every year.”

The annual Festival of Lights, which the committee also runs, helps subsidize the fireworks show with its donations and sponsorships.

“If we didn’t have Festival of Lights, we wouldn’t have a Fourth of July right now,” he said. “Or if we did it would be a $20,000 show.”

How to help

The annual Fourth of July fireworks show is funded by sponsorships and donations made to the Rockford 4th of July Civic Committee.

You can donate to help fund the annual show by going HERE.

You can also mail donations to:

Rockford 4th of July Civic Committee
728 N. Prospect St., suite 107
Rockford, IL 61107

(Make checks payable to Rockford 4th of July Civic Committee)

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas