Deseret News | Stadium of Fire lights up the 4th

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Stadium of Fire lights up the 4th

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Kade | 1:09 a.m. July 5, 2009

I was there...did Glenn Beck cry at all?

jayzee | 1:22 a.m. July 5, 2009

Honestly this was a bit creepy and nationalistic. Beck is a piece of work. He is right about one thing, however, and that is there is no place like Utah on July 4th. I need to start going out of state (or at least UT County) for the 4th. Good old fashioned city park fireworks with family, bbq and the pop shoppe...ahhh the nostalgia of UT County before all of the Fox News sponsored propoganda!

jayzee | 1:22 a.m | 1:41 a.m. July 5, 2009

Go to San Francisco. There are boats you can take out on the bay and you can watch fireworks in a full circle from both sides of the Bay. Lake Tahoe has a good venue too.

It's real creepy using our nation's birthday to divide Americans politically. Only in Utah.

Comments continue below

were u there | 1:48 a.m. July 5, 2009

Yes I was up on the field yes he was tearing up

Sj Bobkins | 1:53 a.m. July 5, 2009

I sometimes wonder if the posters really read their own, persecutionist, negative drivel. Out of the entire day's activities, making superficial comments about Glenn Beck is all your able to do? The out-of-state thing: Unless you can attend festivities in DC, Boston, Dallas and a few other areas, the 4th is no big deal. If the home spun, everything labeled traditional, patriotic, family values, or heritage bugs you, welcome to my world in Phoenix, where there is nothing going on but a few isolated fireworks shows non of which could rate a 1 on the 10, Stadium of Fire scale. Is it possible that you all didn't go to the parade or the stadium show, you just hate GB? Get out and do, have fun, get off your couch and I think your paranoia will disappear.

The Y on the Mountain | 2:03 a.m. July 5, 2009

was painted with the stars and bars back behind the stadium. We were guessing it was people dressed in Red or Blue . . . but I've never seen that before and haven't seen any local coverage . . . anybody see that and know the story?

J Rett | 5:16 a.m. July 5, 2009

This country is about embracing all ideals. Learn and Live, join be part of life, you don't have to agree, you don't have to participate, but if you do you will get so much more for it. God bless America! Happy Independence Day.

Bobby | 6:09 a.m. July 5, 2009

Yeah real fun. I live just off Center Street in Provo. Dogs barking uncontrollably in hysteria. A man
maybe a vagrant cutting through the backyard got bit by the landlord's dog in which I chased the dog away
and ending up letting a stranger use my bathroom and cleaning him up blood and all from the dog bite.
No parking for the people that live here. Roads
barricaded off. No escape routes in case of emergency because of the amount of people. The Provo
Police are considerably outnumbered. I agree, stay home with your families. Have a BBQ and enjoy them. Too many Utah people have to do what the in-crowd does so they can do the popular thing instead of the right thing.

Anonymous | 6:46 a.m. July 5, 2009

Oh Bobby, take a chill pill. Quit worrying about what others are doing and enjoy the day, why don't you? Your whining is incredily tiresome.

Sj Bobkins, you've got it right!

JB | 6:53 a.m. July 5, 2009

J Rett's statement (5:16 a.m. 7/5) is incorrect. This country never was, and is not now, about embracing all ideals. For example, Communism and slavery are not American ideals. Countries are held together by the shared ideals of their residents. When the ideals of the people become too disparate, the country falls apart, usually in hatred and war. Personal freedom, meritocracy (as opposed to aristocracy), the worth of the individual, and accountability for one's actions are some of America's ideals.

American | 6:58 a.m. July 5, 2009

This is a money making event, pure and simple,wrapped in the flag. This also describes Beck and his ilk. My family will always do something just pure and simple for the 4th. Get rid of the right wing hate mongers Provo, and do something celebratory of our country's nobility and greatness that includes all Americans.

Attendance... | 7:16 a.m. July 5, 2009

LES only 70% capacity...hmmmm. An opportunity to make more money, lost.

A better question is . . . | 7:23 a.m. July 5, 2009

Did the stadium folks cut way back on fireworks? Maybe it's just me, but I thought the fireworks (the best part, no?) was scaled waaaaayyy back.
Sad.

Sick | 7:24 a.m. July 5, 2009

I agree w/American. I went to the Stadium of Fire for the first time and will never go back. Beck covers himself in the flag, denigrates those with whom he disagrees, and walks home with a fat paycheck. And Utahns call that patriotism. It really, truly, made me physically sick that he would lead a show that was so blatantly, in-your-face partisan. It's people like that who are destroying our country. The man makes me sick.

J Petersen | 7:31 a.m. July 5, 2009

The Stadium of Fire is a money-making activity and we should be thankful it is. The money raised pays for the dozens of other Freedom Festival activities that are provided free.

MOVEIDIOTS | 7:31 a.m. July 5, 2009

American and Bobby, ... ever consider moving?!? It's a FREE country, at least for now. OH, BTW..when you get ready to move make sure you get your energy efficient windows and appliances installed before the government inspector comes.

where's the love? | 7:34 a.m. July 5, 2009

Um, were any of you haters even there!?! I was, and the show was awesome. And for all the ire in these other posts, I thought Beck stayed away from partisan drivel. He talked about principles and sacrifice, but can anyone name one time he mentioned "us" vs. "them" or anything else meant to divide?

You guys are out of control! Beck really isn't even that big a part of the show. For me and my kids, it's about music, dancing, fireworks, military flyovers (are those somehow partisan!?!) and FIRE. A great production as always.

Freedom Festival is GREAT | 7:38 a.m. July 5, 2009

Provo's Freedom Festival is a wonderful event.

Unfortunately for those on the "liberal" side of the political aisle, they just can't find a patriotic event on the scale of their ambitions. I wonder why?

Patriotism is alive and well in Utah and our statewide support for these types of events eclipses most other areas of the country.

PG | 7:47 a.m. July 5, 2009

Bobby--thanks for telling that. Interesting to know how people living at the parade route handle the problem during the fourth. Props for helping out the dog bitten stranger.

Re: Atendance... | 8:02 a.m. July 5, 2009

Here's how I see the math: LES capacity + 62000. Attendance = 50000. % Capacity = %80>%70. Don't forget that the whole south end of the stadium remains empty because that is where the stage and FIRE happens. You probably just didn't realize it because you have never been there. Maybe they will sell some south end tickets to some Ute fans next year so they can have the best view of the fireworks.

Beautiful event, nice story | 8:16 a.m. July 5, 2009

I attended the Stadium of Fire for the first time. It's always been too pricey and excludes many from the show. I walked away totally amazed at the time and effort put into the show and am grateful I was there to experience the fun and the emotion.

The fireworks finale that thousands of people can see from the stadium are stunning and include all who want to see them. Sara Lenz did a great job covering the events last night - no political bias, just the facts. It is truly sad when so many who have responded this morning have only negative things to say. I for one, love our flag, this country and those who worked to make it free.

Milt Lausten | 8:39 a.m. July 5, 2009

Sounds like a great time. Wish I could have been there.

Unclear on story | 8:53 a.m. July 5, 2009

Do I have this straight: you filled a stadium, got them screaming, then burned a large American flag? Weird.

Mark/ WOW | 8:59 a.m. July 5, 2009

Sounds like a few of you should of stayed home. You really did miss the whole event, it wasn't focused on one person. For a few hours it let us all know why as Americans we can rise above all, cause we are free. Think how great it was for the soldiers in Iraq to have been able to watch that. What kind of price can you put on that. Watching as the fighter jets flew over and know that a few short days ago they lost one of their own. Sounds like a few of you really should be living in North Korea, few minor road blocks such as parking,crowds, few less fire works just might make you realize how well off you really do have it.I'm not from Utah my wife and children came to visit friends and I for one was glad we came on this weekend. I honestly can't understand how anyone could of left that field with such a negative outlook. Every one is welcome to their view, but dang how did you miss what the whole event was about.

Piccione | 9:20 a.m. July 5, 2009

I wonder what the attendance at the Stadium of Fire would be without the Disney product acts like the Jonas Bros? Do you think anyone would come just for the patriotic service alone? Unfortunately, it seems that we have done to the 4th of July what has been done to Christmas, just commercialize it and strip it of it's real meaning.

Anonymous | 9:30 a.m. July 5, 2009

"Hate mongers" -- I'm beginning to think that those who use that term are the ones most consumed by hate. Sad, really.

As for Independence Day, it's a celebration of -- you guessed it -- independence. If you're offended by that concept, you'll want to find a more isolated location for your celebration: one where you won't be troubled by discussions of liberty and patriotism.

Fire delay | 9:31 a.m. July 5, 2009

Our family had an AWESOME day at the parade and subsequent festival. The only down part came at the end of the day when, with thousands of others, we waited and waited to see the fireworks from the MTC fields and saw a brief fireworks show. A lot of people thought it was over as quickly as it started and began going home. Ten minutes later, we got a few more minutes of fireworks. The stadium if fire is nice and all (and I've been in the stadium for the show before), but it would be nice I'd the majority of people weren't excluded from the bulk of the day's main event.

Dean | 9:51 a.m. July 5, 2009

What!!! Burned an American Flag? What is up with that?

namfan | 9:59 a.m. July 5, 2009

jayzee said "It's real creepy using our nation's birthday to divide Americans politically. Only in Utah."

Go to any local newspaper that covered a large gathering (20,000+ people) for large celebrations and you'll likely see the same comment about their town.

Only in Berkeley, only in Philly, only in LA, only in Tampa. Or try only in Rome during world cup, only in Dubai during Ramadan, only in Moscow during May Day, and yes, only in Provo during the 4th of July.

Maybe we should get these people together so that they can realize that their "only" statement pretty much means "only everywhere".

Time to dust of your passport and see the world beyond your front door. You'll likely notice that we're all creepily the same.

Anonymous | 10:47 a.m. July 5, 2009

A nice event, especially for the authorized political party. This event has become a blatantly partisan event. I am discouraged by that, that unless you are GOP, you are less than fully welcome.

utegrad76 | 11:04 a.m. July 5, 2009

The appropriate way to retire a long used American flag, DEAN, is in incinerate it. Nothing wrong with the proper retiring of a flag, you know. God Bless America and God Bless the Founding Fathers for their desire to be independent from tyranny and oppressive, self serving rule.

Anonymous | 11:05 a.m. July 5, 2009

Did they turn off the drinking fountains to sell more bottled water? My wife went to fill up our empty soda cup with water but the drinking fountain wasn't working. She then went to the concession stand to ask if they could fill her cup and they told her they were not allowed and that the drinking fountains were turned off intentionally. I'm a capitalist but forcing people to buy $3 bottled water is a ridiculous. Is there a state law that requires a facility to provide drinking fountains at a stadium?

utegrad76 | 11:10 a.m. July 5, 2009

Hey jayzee, the view from the base of Parley's Canyon last night was something special. From where we sat my wife and I got to enjoy fireworks shows being put on in West Valley, Murray, West Jordan, a Sugar House golf course and Sugar House Park as well. Salt Lake County works just as well as San Francisco. Namfan has a valid point also. Anywhere throughout the world can you enjoy such spectacles as each nation offers on the most celebrated holidays. Let's keep that in mind when you say such things as "Only in Utah".

Shaking my head in CT | 11:12 a.m. July 5, 2009

Years ago I was told that over 200,000 people participated in the Pledge of Allegiance during the 4th of July parade in Provo. I thought it was part of a larger group joined by radio. When I learned it was only the Provo crowd. I did a little math.

It would take 25,000 people per block to have 250,000 at the parade. This is 4 times the attendance at a BYU football game. It would be 4 times the traffic mess. You can't get that many people along the parade route and there was no where near the traffic jam of a football game.

The paper should be verify its numbers better before putting them into print!

Trent Hill | 11:53 a.m. July 5, 2009

I filled up my watter several times. Drinking fountain was on at my end.

Patriot | 12:16 p.m. July 5, 2009

Last night was the first time I went to the Stadium of Fire and I failed to see the political side of things. All I saw was a celebration of the birth of our country. When the flag was retired it brought a tear to my eye as I reflected on what the flag stands for and for the people who have defended it over the years. For those of you that think this was just a partisian political rally, you really don't get it. This was to honor the greatest nation in the world. The message to me was together we can overcome the difficulties we face as a nation if we work together as a nation. We have in the past, why not now? If you still don't get it, go down to the local recruiting office and sign up to serve your country like I did oh so long ago. Once you have grasped the concept only then can you truly begin to help our country instead of griping about what you don't like

Bobby | 12:22 p.m. July 5, 2009

Thanks PG. I was glad to help the stranger but was not expecting an incident. I would have done it for anybody and hope someone would do it for me if needed. Some ignorant people told me to take a chill pill and that I should move. When I live here in Provo. No, I shouldn't have to move. People need to stay home and enjoy there families at there own home and not cause problems where I live. I don't go to where you live and cause problems. Have some respect for others. How ignorant are some people that they put blame on others so they can justify causing problems and so they can satisfy their own selfish desires. When people get hurt and maimed it is not a parade nor is it fun anymore. The party is over.

Re: the Y on the mountain | 12:55 p.m. July 5, 2009

The word was put out through various ways to wear red or blue and go to the Y to create the flag. They got enough support to see what they were trying to do.

Pixie | 1:42 p.m. July 5, 2009

Regarding those who question the burning of the flag, I can appreciate your concern - IF you do not understand that there is a proper way to dispose of a worn, faded, frayed or soiled flag (or a flag that has touched the ground. It should never touch the ground.) There is a ceremony in which a fire has been started and reduced to red hot embers. The flag is placed on the glowing embers - NEVER an open flame, again with dignity and ceremony. The resulting ashes are then usually buried, much like a funeral. If you truly love the flag learn how and when to fly it and what to

GWB | 1:48 p.m. July 5, 2009

Did Glenn Beck talk about his desire, enunciated by a guest on his show, to have another successful attack from Osama bin Laden?

Beck agreed that a bin Laden attack was the only thing that could save America.

Anonymous | 1:57 p.m. July 5, 2009

Hack, Hack. Sorry had to clear my throat through all of the tears. Didn't mean to interrupt King Beck.

Amazed | 2:22 p.m. July 5, 2009

The Stadium of Fire (and entire Freedom Festival) is one of the most inspiring events of the year, & thank goodness that there are people who have the guts & patriotism to stand up and celebrate the traditional values & freedoms that so many have fought & died for.

Anyone who attended the entire show & was not moved & inspired is a soulless weasel, & should move to North Korea or Russia. Those who denigrate events like this should be ashamed.

Thank goodness there are enough people in Utah that care, & haven't succumbed to the blatant socialism and entitlement b.s. that is sweeping our nation.

Thank heaven for events like the Stadium of Fire, reminding us that we need to stop letting all of the whining hating liberals & crazy minority interests hijack this great country right out from under us.

It's time for more people to STAND UP FOR LIBERTY and support more events like the Stadium of Fire and Freedom Festival!

FoundingFathers | 2:37 p.m. July 5, 2009

I love Glenn Beck. He is another wake-up call like Paul Revere was, except this time the message is that we are loosing our freedom, that socialism is here, and Marxism is already knocking at the door. Wake up folks. Those who still love America, and our great Constitution, will see the wisdom and love for America in Glenn's message and wake-up call. Thanks Glenn for all of your hard work and love for this grand country.

WakeUpLiberalMorons | 2:50 p.m. July 5, 2009

"We all declare for liberty; but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing. With some the word liberty may mean for each man to do as he pleases with himself, and the product of his labor; while with others, the same word may mean for some men to do as they please with other men, and the product of other men's labor. Here are two, not only different, but incompatible things, called by the same name - liberty. And it follows that each of the things is, by the respective parties, called by two different and incompatible names - liberty and tyranny."

Hmmmmmm....I wonder what is currently being shoved down our throats by the current establishment?

Economic regulation, environmental extremism, the usurpation of representative government by the judiciary, unprecedented & uncontrolled illegal influx of people into our country etc. threaten our economic viability and freedoms.

If you truly believe in freedom & patriotism, that all people are created equal & it is up to the individual to succeed according to their talents and interests, that we should have a smaller efficient government & lower taxes...Congratulations! You would have enjoyed the Stadium of Fire!

RE: Shaking my head | 3:28 p.m. July 5, 2009

25,000 per block to get to 250,000? The parade route is a LOT longer than 10 blocks. People by us were stacked 10 deep next to the road with another 10 or so scattered behind us. I would guess that is probably a pretty good estimate.

shawilli | 3:29 p.m. July 5, 2009

I think that you folks up in Provo ought to relish and enjoy your cool weather and ramped up spirit of patriotism that rules the 4th of July. The place I went to see the fireworks is at Steele Indian school Park. The heat was awful right around 104 degrees, there is no feeling at all of pride in this nation or pride in being an American or gratitude for what this day really means. The crowd is huge some 150 thousand and it is sadly becoming more and more Mexican and there are shouts of "Viva Mexico" and other racist insults and the tension is quite thick. I am not going back next year, the 4th of July is a time to proudly be an American not Mexican, this State is being overwhelmed by the thousands of illegal invadors pouring over the border. The problem is spreading nationwide and one day will be in Utah as well, and once it is amoung you, it simply does not go away. I am hoping you will look again at what you have in Utah and appreciate it and stop complaining.

Greatest Nation | 3:44 p.m. July 5, 2009

One of the many problems that we have in America is that we think "We are the Greatest Nation in the World".
That is the most un-godly spirit I have ever heard.
Mormon Republicans really need to think about what Jesus taught.

Haters! | 4:04 p.m. July 5, 2009

The open Minded Left is filled with Hate while Beck is filled with a love for his country. I would have gladly gone to see Brother Beck. He is a man being used by God to return Americans who have not been brainwashed by liberal bilge to the very foundations of Freedom. You whiners and haters may love king Barrack but I will side with Patrick Henry and Brother Glenn!!!!!

HeyGreatestNation | 4:40 p.m. July 5, 2009

Guess what? We ARE the Greatest Nation in the World, and many have given their lives and made incredible sacrifices to make it possible. It has nothing to do with being mormon, republican, vegetarian, ungodly or whatever....

Washingtonian | 5:11 p.m. July 5, 2009

Lots of differing views on the Stadium of Fire from the radical right to the goofy left. I hope there is room in the middle for some of us. Perhaps the Stadium of Fire is better than booing a military honor guard at our parade.

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