Plans proceeding for Stadium of Fire, other July 4 events to return

The 40th anniversary of the July 4 Stadium of Fire show at Brigham Young University’s LaVell Edwards Stadium was a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, but organizers of Provo’s America’s Freedom Festival, which produces the Stadium of Fire, said the event will return this year.

“There were a lot of disappointed families last year who make this part of their tradition,” said Jim Evans, executive director of the festival. “This would help to let people know that we’re one large step forward to getting back toward normal, what they used to do. Because by having some of these events, it lets them know, hey, we really do see a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Organizers aren’t quite sure how the show will look this year. Last year’s star attraction, country band Rascal Flatts, is booked elsewhere. Evans said the festival is looking for a replacement. Also unknown is how many seats will be allowed to be filled in the stadium for the event, which will be held July 3 because the holiday falls on Sunday.

In its recent session, the Utah Legislature passed a bill that ends the statewide mask-wearing mandate on April 10, so other event organizers are moving forward with plans. The committee for the annual Days of ’47 Pioneer Day celebration have announced plans for both the downtown Salt Lake City parade and the traditional rodeo to go forward.

Plans for other events around the state are also going forward. Officials in places like Magna and Huntsville have announced that their annual Independence Day celebrations will return in 2021.