GREEN BAY – The area’s largest firework show is returning in full force this year for the Fourth of July.
The Festival Foods Fire Over the Fox event was called off in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was scaled-back in 2021, but organizers are preparing to host a full-capacity event this Independence Day.
“Downtown Green Bay’s local businesses will be open for all the patriotic foot traffic this Fourth of July,” Emily Cubitt, marketing manager for Downtown Green Bay, Inc., said. “Live music will fill the streets while holiday sales and one-of-a-kind menus will keep you busy shopping and dining throughout the districts.”
Cubitt said a gamut of sights and sounds along the downtown waterfront, on both sides of the Fox River, are available throughout the day.
“Keep cool with a handcrafted drink, support local on Independence Day and end the day with the area’s brightest fireworks show,” she said.
This year’s celebration kicks off at 3 p.m. at locations throughout the downtown area including Leicht Park, the Neville Museum parking lot, along the Ray Nitschke Memorial Bridge and Green Bay City Deck.
“The community has been anxiously awaiting the return of this event in full force,” Allie Thut, director of special events for On Broadway, Inc., said. “It is one of the largest events in downtown Green Bay, and it truly brings the community together for an entire evening of entertainment and fun.”
There will be live music scattered throughout the area – including a main stage in Leicht Park, a kids stage and activities in the Neville Public Museum parking lot and a music stage on City Deck as well.
Food trucks of all kinds will line Ray Nitschke Memorial Bridge connecting one side of the river’s activities to the other.
“You’ll see some of your favorite activities finally returning to this year’s event,” Thut said. “Expect a show from the Waterboard Warriors, live music, bounce houses, food trucks, drinks and so much more.”
The Waterboard Warriors Water Ski Show, scheduled for 4 p.m., can be viewed from the shores of Leicht Park or from the Main Street Bridge.
Organizers estimate the event draws more than 100,000 people to downtown Green Bay, and with the return to full capacity, they expect attendance to return to normal.
The firework show begins after dusk and is paired to music.
VIP seating
Tickets are now on sale for the VIP seating area along the river on the paved sidewalk in Leicht Memorial Park – for those looking for the “best seat in the house” to watch the patriotic display.
The cost is $12 to reserve a chair for an up-close, designated view of the show.
Folks will be allowed into the VIP seating area starting at 7:30 p.m.
Ticket holders will choose their seat when they arrive on a first-come first-serve basis.
One ticket is required per person.
For more information and a link to buy VIP tickets, head to downtowngreenbay.com.