July 4th celebrations: Where to see fireworks in Galesburg, Monmouth, Abingdon, Knoxville

Jay Redfern, Galesburg Register-Mail
·3 min read

Fireworks shows are back with a bang this year. Big Bang Boom, set to go off around 9:30 p.m. Monday, July 4 at Lake Storey Park in Galesburg, is the largest fireworks display in the area.

This year's show will feature more than 1,100 shells launched in about 25 minutes, according Roger Lundeen, general manager of WGIL/Galesburg Broadcasting, the organizer of Big Bang Boom!

J&M Displays of Yarmouth, Iowa, has handled the fireworks for Big Big Boom for 25 years and works with a WGIL and The Laser produced soundtrack to make the electronic synchronization of the fireworks.

Lundeen said people can arrive anytime throughout the day and find a good viewing spot at the park.

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"Historically we see some people out there early in the morning and spend the entire day out there enjoying the park and celebrating with friends and family," said Lundeen, who said people should allow at least 20 minutes to park and walk to the park if they arrive after 7 p.m.

WGIL began partnering with the Galesburg Jaycees and Norwest Bank in 1997 to do the first synchronized fireworks show in the area. The next year WGIL added The Laser and both stations have produced and broadcast the Big Bang Boom Show ever since (with the exception of 2020 during COVID).

Colorful fireworks light up the sky during the annual Big Bang Boom 4th of July fireworks show at Lake Storey Park on Sunday evening.
Colorful fireworks light up the sky during the annual Big Bang Boom 4th of July fireworks show at Lake Storey Park on Sunday evening.

WGIL and The Laser receive assistance from sponsors, local business partners, various non-profit organizations, the city of Galesburg and the Galesburg Lions Club. The major sponsor of Big Bang Boom is Dave's Auto Body. Other sponsors this year are Blick Art Materials, Graham Health System and Galesburg Nissan.

Here is a list of other displays scheduled around the Galesburg area this upcoming Independence Day weekend:

Abingdon

Abingdon's fireworks display will be held on Sunday, July 3, from 9-10 p.m. The Abingdon Community Festival grounds will be available as a viewing area with plenty of parking as well. Spectators are asked to not park on the side of Illinois 41 or County 5.

Cameron

Cameron will have a large Class C fireworks display at dusk on Monday, July 4. A cruise-in car and tractor show will start the day at 9 a.m. There will be an ice cream social from 1 to 4 p.m. at Cameron Christian Church.

Galesburg — Lake Bracken Country Club

Lake Bracken Country Club has a fireworks display planned for 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the lakefront on Sunday, July 3.

Galesburg — Soangetaha Country Club

Galesburg’s Soangetaha Country Club will have fireworks on Sunday, July 3, at 9:30 p.m.

Dahinda — Oak Run

Oak Run in Dahinda will have its annual fireworks on Saturday, July 2, at dusk. The event will not be open to the public.

Knoxville

Knoxville will have a fireworks display at dusk on Monday, July 4, at James Knox Park.

Monmouth

Monmouth will have fireworks on Monday, July 4, at Citizens Lake, located at the intersection of the Highway 34/67 Bypass and Highway 164. Fireworks will begin at dusk.

Monmouth — Lake Warren

Lake Warren in Monmouth will have fireworks on the big dam at dusk on Saturday, July 2. They will be open to the public.

This article originally appeared on Galesburg Register-Mail: Where to see fireworks in Galesburg, Monmouth, Abingdon, Knoxville