Freedom festivities, fireworks, fun planned for Provo

PROVO — There was a year when the Stadium of Fire almost became the Stadium on Fire.

"We about burned down the stadium one year," said Alan Osmond, who produced the first Stadium of Fire in 1970. "I took on a challenge of lighting over a million firecrackers. In six seconds those things ignited and (it) looked like Hiroshima in there."

The fire marshal called Osmond a "nut," but both the stadium and the show survived. This year marks the Stadium of Fire's 30th anniversary, and plenty of talent — both national and local — will be on hand for the July 3 celebration.

"This year we're going to set another standard," said Osmond, who is still involved with the Stadium of Fire as a board of trustee member.

Five-time Grammy Award-winner Carrie Underwood will headline the concert, with Eric Dodge, The 5 Browns and Jenny Oaks Baker giving the performance some local flavor. Osmond's sons will also perform as The Osmonds Second Generation.

And of course, there will be fireworks.

"It's a fun, exciting and visual show with a theme of freedom and patriotism, and I think that's what strengthens families," Osmond said.

While the Stadium of Fire is celebrating its 30-year milestone, the Freedom Festival itself goes back even further, with roots that can be traced back to the 1870s. "The early Provo people, they've always had patriotism in their blood, I think," said Freedom Festival executive director Paul Warner.

Including the Stadium of Fire and the Grand Parade, the festival features 26 events, many of which take place this week.

The festivities will begin early Friday, as about 25 hot air balloons take to the air in the Freedom Festival's Balloon Fest. The event is free and allows families and children to watch up-close as the balloons are inflated.

Harking back to the time of the Founding Fathers, the Freedom Festival also plays host to Colonial Days. Visitors to the Colonial Square, 275 E. Center St., can tour Jamestown and the Mayflower or meet historic figures like George Washington, Abigail Adams, Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin.

Also rooted in American history is the festival's Milestones of Freedom: Many Nations, One America. Orem's Scera Park will be transformed into Ellis Island, giving participants an idea of what it was like to immigrate to the United States. On Center Street in Provo, another event, Freedom Days, features booths, activities, entertainment and food.