Organizers of this year’s Red, White & Boom fireworks show along the Illinois River on Independence Day expect the turnout to be spectacular.
With the nation celebrating America250 and July Fourth landing on a Saturday, leaders estimate the combined crowds along the Peoria and East Peoria riverfronts could climb as high as 200,000 people.
“When we gather Downtown, we’re strengthening the kind of place where people want to build their future,” said Gilmore Foundation President Laura Cullinan, representing title sponsor Choose Greater Peoria.
“We’re grateful to our community partners and business leaders who continue to invest in our region. It’s a great place to live.”
Billed as the largest downstate July Fourth event, the show will feature entertainment starting at 5 p.m., followed by fireworks launched from a barge on the river beginning at 9:30 p.m. An Illinois Air Guard flyover will precede the fireworks display.
“But it’s really more than fireworks. It’s really about bringing everybody together in the region,” said Greater Peoria Leaders chair Doug Oberhelman, the retired Caterpillar CEO.
“This whole event is truly just a coming together of the community with local sponsors and volunteers and various organizations,” added Mike Wild of event organizer Midwest Communications. “In addition, we have over 20 law enforcement, military, public safety, emergency management agencies involved in all this, and their work is absolutely amazing.”
Joining Wednesday’s preview announcement at the Gateway Building were the mayors, police chiefs and fire chiefs of both Peoria and East Peoria.
In anticipation of such a large gathering, Peoria Police Chief Brad Dixon noted there will be enhanced security measures and checkpoints at the viewing areas on both sides of the river.
“When you come in, there’ll be designated entry areas; any bags you have or may have will be searched prior to entry. There’ll be metal detectors that that you walk through,” said Dixon.
“We anticipate moving people very quickly and safely through these security checkpoints, so overall we want the experience to be the same. We just want it to be safe for every single person that comes down here.”
East Peoria Police Chief David Catton said there will be concrete crash barriers set up in the area to keep vehicles away from spectators.
“The big issue that we want to push out is just the community involvement and our security plan. We can’t do what we do without the cooperation of our community,” said Catton.
With traffic and parking restrictions in place throughout the day, motorists are urged to exercise caution and patience with delays likely.
Beginning at 8:30 p.m., the Bob Michel Bridge will be closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Three eastbound Interstate 74 exits on the Peoria side of the river will also close at that time, and the Cedar Street Bridge remains fully closed for repair work by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
“We’re not anticipating too much of a delay coming in; it’s not like a concert where everybody shows up at the same time. People kind of trickle through,” said Dixon. “But leaving the event is always kind of a logjam, so we ask for your patience.”
East Peoria Mayor John Kahl said he believed Red, White & Boom ranks above all other July Fourth celebrations.
“I can tell you firsthand it is a safe event, it’s a family event, and at the end of the day, 250 years of American independence — come on,” Kahl exclaimed. “All the divisiveness — we are in such crazy times, and I talk about this all the time — forget about it; leave that stuff at home. Come down. We’re all patriots.”
Peoria Mayor Rita Ali said the America250 celebration offers a rare opportunity gather in the spirit of freedom.
“It takes us to a new level of celebrating our history,” she said. “We are bringing together a diversity of people from all walks of life, families and children. We all look different, we all talk different — different languages, different cultures, different values — but we’re all coming together in unity for America.”
