What started as a $1,500 fireworks display in Norfolk in 1976 has now grown into one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in Northeast Nebraska. Big Bang Boom attracts crowds from Madison County and beyond for a two-day celebration. This year’s event is especially historic, as attendees will celebrate both America’s 250th birthday and the 50th anniversary of Big Bang Boom.
Big Bang Boom’s President Don Wisnieski said planning for the 50th/250th celebration began a year and a half ago when the committee realized that the milestones aligned.
“All the stars lined up,” he said. “We went into high gear to make sure we got on the map for hosting one of the biggest 250th anniversary events in the area. We’ve got more vendors, more fireworks, and everything is bigger and better than ever before.”
Madison County Commissioner and Big Bang Boom committee member Troy Uhlir said the fireworks budget alone doubled from last year’s, and he’s grateful for the financial support from donations made by community members and businesses that make this event possible.
Wisnieski and Uhlir guessed that around 30,000 people attended last year. This year, they’re hoping to – much like the fireworks budget – double that number.
“It’s one of the biggest events of the year, and we pull in people not only from our county, but from other counties and even other states,” Uhlir said. “It’s a big deal that Norfolk and Madison County in general can host something like this. And it’s always the hope that if people who aren’t from here or who have moved away come for this, that it’s the type of event that makes them want to stay and become a part of our communities.”
This year, the planning committee placed a significant emphasis on showing support for America and its military – perhaps most notably by installing a 122-foot flagpole at Skyview Lake. The number was intentional, honoring the estimated 22 veterans who die by suicide every day.
“Every year we bring out a large crane and hang a 30x60-foot American flag from it,” Wisnieski said. “This year, instead of the crane, we’re installing this flag pole and doing the raising of the colors and a dedication ceremony.”
The 40 volunteer committee members behind the event meet monthly throughout the year, then work seemingly all day and night during the week before and in the days after the event to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Uhlir said that, for him, all of the work pays off when the fireworks start.
“What I most look forward to is the feeling and the mood when we first start the show,” he said. “You can hear the excitement from the crowd as the shock and awe build all the way up to the finale.”
Wisnieski feels similarly.
“I look forward to seeing it all come together when people come here to celebrate the nation’s birth in the way that history has allowed us to do it since the beginning,” he said. “One of the founding fathers wrote a letter back in 1776 predicting that this day would always be celebrated with parades, pomp and circumstance, and illuminations. Fireworks have been how we celebrate our nation forever. So, you stand there that evening at Big Bang Boom, right before the show, and look at the size of the tradition that you’re part of. Everyone is there for the right reasons – to celebrate and to watch an unmatched firework show.”
Uhlir is proud to be part of the effort to celebrate America’s 250th in such a big way this year. He said that the selfless efforts of volunteers and the massive community turnout are reflective of the heart of Madison County and its residents.
“The story that this tells is that as a county and as a community, we enjoy coming together to celebrate our country’s birthday and the freedoms we enjoy,” Uhlir said.
The 50th/250th anniversary celebration kicks off on Friday, July 3rd, and thousands will gather for the historic fireworks display at Skyview Lake on Saturday night. Visit the website or watch the feature-length documentary “Behind the Boom” to learn more about Big Bang Boom.
