Boom! Crackle! Whizz! Pop! It’s July, and while hot dogs on the grill and gooey s’mores by the fire are pure bliss, the July 4th Fireworks over Lake Waconia, hosted by the Waconia Chamber of Commerce, are the real crowd-pleaser. As you ooh and aah over the sparkling, colorful bursts lighting up the night sky, you might find yourself wondering how this magical show comes to life each year. A lot of hard work and dedication happen behind the scenes all year so that when July 4th rolls around, you and the rest of the community can enjoy front-row seats to the best show in town.
“The fireworks are entirely funded by local businesses, organizations, and community members,” Christine Fenner, president of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce, shares. “Fundraising efforts happen continuously throughout the year to raise the $36,000 plus needed to purchase fireworks.” In recent years, the Waconia Lions Club has been integral in the fundraising efforts by selling raffle tickets for big items like an ice house and an ATV, donated by the Waconia Fire Relief Association and Waconia Lions, with all proceeds benefiting the fireworks.
“We also have a dedicated group of trained, volunteer pyrotechnicians who spend their 4th of July setting up the fireworks and putting on the show for the community every year.” This group of generous and skilled individuals works closely with the Waconia Fire Department, Carver County Sheriff’s Office, and Carver County Parks to ensure a safe event.
“The July 4th Fireworks bring residents and visitors together for a shared experience celebrating Independence Day.” And if you’ve never been, you’re missing out. “People watch from their boats, Lake Waconia Regional Park, and even businesses on and around the lake become gathering places for people to enjoy the show and share in the patriotism of the day.” At dusk, the entire town seems to go silent, except for the sky, confirming that this event truly is something the whole community shows up for.
While the town continually shows strong support, Christine says that fundraising becomes more and more difficult every year as prices increase across the board. If the July 4th fireworks in Waconia are the highlight of your summer, and you’d love to help make them happen, you can find more details and ways to support them at DestinationWaconia.org/fireworks.
“A warm summer evening with a lakeside view, or from a boat on Lake Waconia, families and friends gather and wait for dusk to watch the sky light up – it makes for an unforgettable 4th of July experience!”