Wausau Finance Commission Approves Fireworks Show Room Tax Funding | WSAU News/Talk 550 AM · 99.9 FM

WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) – The Wausau Finance Committee has approved an $8,500 contribution to a proposed multi-jurisdictional Independence Day Fireworks Show planned by Wausau Events for 2024.

Board Chairman Pete Valiska says they plan to launch the show from the Wausau Airport, which will also be used for the Wings over Wausau fireworks show in mid-June. He says this means all the infrastructure for the show will already be in place in an area known to the professionals firing the show.

“In all the years we have worked at the airport, we have canceled or rescheduled one show,” says Valiska. “That’s over twenty years. (That one show) was rescheduled due to a heavy rainstorm.”

Valiska notes that they are not planning an all-day festival or event for the show. They will open the airport grounds for viewing and will provide trash cans and portable bathrooms for those who want to attend the show. Spectators are also encouraged to bring their own food and drinks.

He added that they will be using larger shells this year after last year’s event led to some disappointment among residents. It was announced that the show was visible from multiple points in Wausau and surrounding communities, although some of those areas were unable to view the show clearly. That included Marathon Park, where trees obscured the view.

Wausau Events Executive Director Allissandra Aderholdt says the exhibit is scheduled for Thursday, July 4, with a rain date of July 5 set aside just in case.

The group is seeking funding from other neighboring communities. They have already received a commitment from the village of Rib Mountain. Last year’s event also included support from Schofield, Weston and Rothschild.

Tuesday’s vote was unanimous. The proposal still requires approval from the full city council, which is expected to occur at their first meeting in May.