Wisconsin Rapids readies FreedomFest July 4 with vendors, kids zone and 9:30 p.m. fireworks

SUNUP Wisconsin hosts used a special episode to preview FreedomFest in Wisconsin Rapids on July 4, outlining a day of downtown activities that organizers say will include a farmers market, a food drive, family activities, live music and an evening fireworks show.

The city’s 250 Acts of Kindness challenge — part of the nation’s 250th anniversary observances — will conclude during the event; Mayor Matt will announce the results on the main stage at about 7:45 p.m., hosts said. Presenters reported that participants had logged roughly 230 of the 250 planned acts (about 92% complete) at the time of the broadcast.

Organizers told listeners the downtown farmers market, managed by Wood County, will run 8 a.m.–1 p.m. on West Grand Avenue between 3rd and 2nd Avenue South (moved for the holiday). A Freedom Food Drive will accept new, unopened nonperishable donations from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at the West Grand IGA; hosts asked donors to avoid glass containers and to check best‑use‑by dates. The program said Focus Food Truck will collect donations at the market.

Family programming includes free community yoga led by instructor Renee Catherine from 1–2 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park (2nd Street between Grand Avenue and East Jackson Street) and a kids zone with a bounce house, games and a dunk tank through 8 p.m. at East Grand and 2nd Street South. The hosts noted age limits apply in the kids area and encouraged attendees to supervise children.

Music and entertainment will run on the main stage through the evening. A DJ is scheduled for 2–8 p.m.; Poké Pack is listed for roughly 3–6 p.m., and the Grey Cats are expected to play approximately 6:15–9:15 p.m. The hosts said Emily Arndt will sing the national anthem just before the fireworks.

Fireworks are slated for about 9:30 p.m., the hosts said. Mayor Matt told the show that roughly $5,500 in additional fundraising was required this year to preserve a show comparable to last year’s display.

Logistics and safety details announced on the program include a no‑tarp/blanket/chairs rule on the riverbank and city park before 6 a.m. on July 4, designated parking restrictions and downtown street closures beginning early the morning of July 4 (organizers asked attendees to consult the city website for a full map and the most current closure times), and a safety zone on the river that boat patrols will monitor to protect boaters from fireworks fallout. The mayor also said community volunteer Sean Ryan helped arrange an approximate 1:45 p.m. Air Force flyover; speakers cautioned that the exact timing of flyovers is approximate and may involve multiple cities.

Mayor Matt credited organizer Emily Kent, Parks & Rec staffer Jake Clingsforth and local volunteers and partners (including friends‑of‑music groups) for planning and permitting the event. Hosts thanked Wisconsin Rapids Community Media and local sponsors for fundraising and production support and encouraged listeners to follow SUNUP Wisconsin’s Facebook page and the city site (wirapids.gov) for updates.

The broadcast closed with organizers urging attendees to be patient, to buy local from vendors and to follow posted safety guidance to help the celebration run smoothly.