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With the first day of summer past us, sunshine beating down on us, and firework stands popping up all around the metro, Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County prepares for the most American holiday that ever did exist: the Fourth of July.
The beloved holiday—except, of course, by the British—is best spent by a pool, lake, in a campground, or just around a backyard grill. And then, of course, there is the evening firework show which cannot be missed.
There are many opportunities to catch a sparkling display of lights and noise in the coming days in Pottawattamie County.
Fourth of July Events
Treynor Days | June 28-30 | Times vary by day
Come out to Treynor the weekend before the Fourth of July for three days of fun with fireworks, volleyball, a fire hydrant party, and more!
Lake Manawa Fireworks Display | June 29 | Dusk
Enjoy a relaxing and beautiful lakeside firework show. The annual event is thrown by Friends of Lake Manawa, a nonprofit group that supports events at the lake.
College Home Run Derby & The Omaha World-Herald Fireworks Display | June 29 | 7 p.m. (Fireworks follow the game)
One of the benefits of being just across the river from Omaha is having an incredible view of their firework display at TD Ameritrade. Grab a lawn chair and head down to Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park—just be wary of flooding!
Underwood July 4th Celebration | July 4 | 7 a.m.
The day begins with a 5K, pancakes, and Bloody Marys leading up to a parade, carnival, beer garden, and more! End the evening with a fireworks show for a perfect Fourth of July!
Party on the Patio: Parking Lot Party with The 70’s Band | July 5 | 6:30 p.m.
Party like it’s still Independence Day at McCoy’s at Thunderbowl with music from a local ‘70s cover band. While they are absolutely not encouraging nor have they asked for anyone to dress up in ‘70s style, we will be impressed if you do!
For more ideas of firework shows to check out, visit the Daily Nonpareil’s website for a running list. We will update ours as well as events are submitted to our calendar.
Supporting the Lake Manawa Fireworks Display
One of the most popular displays in Pottawattamie County, the Lake Manawa event is supported all by community donations and sponsorships.
“We have zero money in grants nor do we get any money from the city, county, or state,” Trent Cozad, a fireworks display committee member, said. “Without tax-deductible donations, there is no show.”
The show has been a long-time tradition in Council Bluffs and is part of many families’ annual Fourth of July outings.
“We believe this is the [only> Fourth of July fireworks show [left> in CB,” Cozad said of why Friends of Lake Manawa work hard to put the event on. “We [want> to keep this long-time tradition going!”
Cozad recommends for spectators to find a spot on the north side of the lake to watch the show. This will allow them to avoid some of the traffic that can pop up on the lake’s south end.
For a complete firework experience, spectators can tune their car radios to 101.9 The Keg for music simulcast for the show.
To donate, visit friendsoflakemanawa.org.
“Every dollar counts,” Cozad said. “We hope everyone enjoys the fireworks!”
Happy Fourth!
Just add in an explosion from any "Transformers" film, and you’ve got the perfect Fourth of July aesthetic right here.
So there you have it, there are lots of ways to spend the Fourth of July in Pottawattamie County whether you party the weekend before, the day of, or both. However you celebrate, we hope your day is full of pool parties, hot dogs and hamburgers, sparklers, and freedom—after all, that’s really what it’s all about; though we still hope your day looks like a Michael Bay movie.
P.S. To anyone with young, noise sensitive children and/or neurotic pets, best of luck over the next couple of weeks. We know the struggle.
