By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — If you’ve watched massive sporting events such as the Super Bowl, then you’ve seen the work of the pyrotechnic team behind Rockford’s Fourth of July fireworks display.
But you probably haven’t seen some of the effects that will be on display in the sky above downtown on Tuesday, according to Ted O’Donnell, co-chairman of the Rockford Fourth of July Committee.
“A third of the show is all-new pyro that has never been seen in the Midwest,” he said on This Week in the Stateline. “It’s going to be featured here in northern Illinois for the first time, and of course it will then be throughout the country after here.”
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The 30-minute, 5,800-shell firework show over the Rock River begins at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.
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O’Donnell and his cousin, Tom Luepkes, have worked together to organize the festivities for about five years now. They took over for the late Joe Marino, who ran the show for years before his death at age 92 in 2018.
Pyrotechnico, the largest fireworks show designer in North America, handles the display in Rockford. Its work has also been featured at the Super Bowl half time show, major touring concerts and other events.
“That’s what we bring to Rockford,” O’Donnell said. “That was Uncle Joe’s thing: Have the best come into town and shoot the best fireworks.”
The soundtrack, which plays on B103 during the display, is designed so that each song has different fireworks, O’Donnell said.
“You’ll never see the same pyro in another song,” he said. “It’s going to be amazing this year.”
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It costs about $61,000 to pay for the display itself, and up to $90,000 for the overall costs of putting on the event. The show is staffed by volunteers like O’Donnell and Luepkes and paid for by private donations. No taxpayer money is used.
O’Donnell said donations are still needed, with funding approximately $9,000 short so far.
“It looks like our bills are going to be paid, but we’re cutting it really close this year,” he said.
Pyrotechnico blasts off shells ranging from 3 inches to 6 inches that explode to the size of two football fields. There won’t be any ground effects as part of this year’s pyro display, but you can expect another awe-inspiring finale, said O’Donnell.
“It was bright. It was loud. It was beautiful. The crowd cheering at the end was incredible,” O’Donnell said of last year’s show. “That’s what makes it worth doing for Tom and I – seeing the crowd respond.”
Rockford Fourth of July activities
Lifescape Fourth of July Classic Run/Walk
When: 7 a.m. Tuesday, July 4
Where: Madison Street near the trolley station in downtown Rockford
About: Racers have the choice of running an 8K, a 2-mile, or participating in the 1-mile family fun walk. All racers will receive finisher medals, race T-shirts and post-race pancakes.
Signup/info: Go HERE.
Rockford Fourth of July Parade
When: 4:40 p.m. motorcycle parade begins, followed by the Jeep Parade and the main patriotic parade at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 4
Route: The parade will form at Seventh Street and Sixth Avenue, proceed north on Seventh Street to East State Street, turn west on State to Wyman Street and disband at Church Street.
Fireworks and festivities
Where: Downtown Rockford (fireworks shoot off across from Davis Park and can be seen from most locations downtown)
When: 4 p.m. Davis Park opens with live music and kids activities. A $5 donation is requested for entrance.
Fireworks display: 9:30 p.m. fireworks display begins and lasts until 10 p.m. (The soundtrack is broadcast on B103)
More info: 4thandlights.com
How to donate
What: Fourth of July fireworks display is funded entirely by donations and sponsorships. No taxpayer money is used.
Online: You can donate online here.
By check: Mail to: Rockford 4th of July Civic Committee, 728 N. Prospect St., Suite 107, Rockford IL, 61107
More info: 4thandlights.com
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas