Longstanding public-private partnership for fireworks/drone show comes to an end
A longstanding public-private partnership that supported the annual Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast in Boulder has come to an end and, as a result, there will be no Fourth of July event at Folsom Field this summer. For 24 years, WK Real Estate provided the support necessary to light up Boulder’s night sky with fireworks or drones for the Fourth of July holiday. After a three-year hiatus due to COVID impacts and with last year’s show being impacted by severe weather, the multi-agency event planning committee is exploring different opportunities for the future.
“It has been a privilege for everyone at WK Real Estate to be a part of the 4th of July at Folsom Field,” said Dan Kingdom. “We have enjoyed being a part of this Boulder County tradition and will cherish the many great memories and relationships we have from our years of sponsoring the event.”
The city and other partners are grateful to WK Real Estate for its many years of support.
“WK Real Estate has demonstrated its love of Boulder, and this holiday, for nearly two and half decades. This is an extraordinary contribution,” said City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde. “We appreciate both the years of celebration made possible by WK Real Estate and the model of partnership they helped us forge.”
The City of Boulder, Visit Boulder, Boulder Chamber and University of Colorado Boulder are exploring the possibility of a new public-private partnership, with hopes that a flagship sponsor or group of sponsors will express interest in bringing the event back to Folsom Field. In the meantime, the city plans to demonstrate its appreciation to WK Real Estate through a City Council Declaration on Aug. 15.
There are still lots of opportunities to celebrate the 4th of July in Boulder.
In the evening at the Glen Huntington Bandshell, the Boulder Symphony will play symphonic classics celebrating music across the Americas, featuring cinematic classics and patriotic tunes. This event is part of the Arts in the Park performing arts series.
The Boulder Reservoir will be open 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Popular recreation activities at the Reservoir include boating, swimming, sun bathing, water skiing, fishing, picnicking, walking, running, cycling and wildlife viewing.
The East Boulder Community Center will be open until 1:30 p.m. Scott Carpenter Pool, Spruce Pool and the Flatirons Golf Course will be open normal hours. The city’s parks will be open normal hours 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Please follow the city’s parks rules and regulations.
Consider visiting Open Space and Mountain Parks! Learn which trails allow bikes, dogs and horses and see their length, elevation gain and difficulty through our trail and trailhead search webpage. All ignition sources – including smoking and campfires – are prohibited on City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks lands. Fireworks are illegal both on open space land and throughout the city. Demonstrate courtesy and respect for everyone and recreate responsibly to help prevent wildfires.
Information about other fun events in Boulder can be found on Visit Boulder’s website at bouldercoloradousa.com/events.