July 4th bashes in Provo and Salt Lake

Provo's annual Fourth of July celebration will have some competition this year.

Salt Lake City will hold its "Freedom Blast" about 50 miles away on the same night as Provo's "Stadium of Fire," giving music and fireworks fans along the Wasatch Front a choice on where they will celebrate the nation's birthday.

"Sure they compete, no question," said Paul Warner, vice president of America's Freedom Festival at Provo. "I don't think there is any question that that's the case. We don't like the fact that this is a competition because it does put people in a bind."

The festival's "Stadium of Fire" has been the most touted event of the holiday weekend the last few years. But longtime producers John and Sheri Whittaker have taken over the Salt Lake show at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The Whittakers announced last fall they were leaving the Provo event after frustration with last year's show, which was hosted by conservative political commentator Sean Hannity.

"We're going to stay completely away from that," John Whittaker said. "We don't want anyone to walk away and say it was geared to one side of the (political) fence."

Provo's show in LaVell Edwards Stadium is being headlined by country band Lonestar and pop star and actress Mandy Moore, while "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson will play Rice-Eccles Stadium for the Salt Lake event. Both will feature a variety of other entertainment and plenty of pyrotechnics.

Organizers report that early ticket sales have been good.

"We hope they fill their (stadium), and we hope we fill our (stadium)," Freedom Festival executive director Rick Nelson said.