IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Thousands of people are expected to gather along the Snake River on Saturday for the Annual Melaleuca Freedom Celebration, one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in the West.

Organizers anticipate more than 220,000 people will attend this year’s event as the nation celebrates America’s 250th anniversary and the Fourth of July falls on a Saturday. For those staying home, Local News 8 will provide live broadcast coverage of the fireworks show. Watch it live in the window above starting at 10 p.m.

Beginning at 10 p.m., organizers say more than 18,500 fireworks shells will be launched over the Snake River in tribute to America’s Founding Fathers, veterans and service members.

“This show rivals the pyrotechnic giants of Boston, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, as measured by the sheer number of shells in the air,” said Heather Gobet, a fourth-generation pyrotechnician responsible for firing the display.

The event is free to attend and has been voted the Post Register Readers’ Choice Best Annual Event for five consecutive years.

With attendance continuing to grow, organizers say available space at Snake River Landing will be used to expand general parking and improve access for attendees. Free parking will remain available.

However, due to increasing attendance, limited space and ongoing development at Snake River Landing, overnight RV parking will not be offered during this year’s celebration. Organizers are encouraging those planning to attend with an RV to make alternative arrangements ahead of time.

The fireworks display has been carefully choreographed to music and designed to feature dramatic special effects, large-scale aerial bursts and synchronized sequences throughout the show.

Local News 8 will provide live coverage of the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration fireworks.

Viewers can watch on-air, online and through the Local News 8 livestream.