Wisconsin Rapids committee approves city sponsorship for Rapids Riverside Freedom Fest, fireworks set for July 4

The Special Finance Committee of Wisconsin Rapids voted 3-0 to approve city sponsorship of the Rapids Riverside Freedom Fest, a July 4 event that will include bands, vendors, a kids zone and a fireworks display.

Emily Kent, who presented the event draft and sponsorship packet, said the planning team has been meeting with community groups since late last year to expand the festival’s offerings, and that the farmers market will run concurrently in downtown Wisconsin Rapids. Kent said the draft program includes a kids zone with a bounce house, games and a dunk tank, two bands beginning at about 3 p.m., a concert by the Wisconsin Rapids City Band and the fireworks show.

"I would just say that, again, it's a work in progress," Kent said, urging committee members to approve the sponsorship framework so staff and volunteers can continue planning.

Committee discussion noted the city applied for a grant with the Convention and Visitors Bureau that, if awarded, would include partnership elements for the festival. The mayor’s office would administer the sponsorship and donation program; the lowest sponsorship tier listed donors on the event website.

The committee’s motion — to approve city sponsorship of the Rapids Riverside Freedom Fest, including fireworks, bands, vendors and the sponsorship/donation program for 07/04/2026 — passed 3-0. The committee deferred discussion of street closings and the suspension of the open-container ordinance to a later meeting.

Council members thanked volunteers and parks-and-recreation staff helping organize the event; next steps include finalizing sponsorship details and the schedule as planning continues.