Marking its 10th year on July 4, WaunaBoom was born from an annual neighborhood fireworks gathering, growing into one U.S. News and World reports’ top 17 places to celebrate Independence Day nationwide.
One of the event’s founders, Chris Zellner, spoke about its beginnings and its evolution at the July 9 Waunakee Rotary Club meeting.
Fireworks displays in Waunakee actually started with WaunaFest, Chris said, but the logistics didn’t work there as the ballgames had to pause for them.
Chris, a Waunakee Village Board trustee and former village president, said at the time, his neighbors had their own little fireworks shows, and one suggested they start up a village-wide event.
Chris formed a committee comprising his wife, Amie, his brother-in-law, who is in marketing, and other neighbors.
Chris said the event is about community, pride, belonging and celebration, and he and other members of what would become the WaunaBoom committee were aware of other community events.
“We were very cognizant not to tread on the water of other festivals to avoid conflict,” Zellner said.
Zellner approached his fellow village board members about its start and got the go ahead.
“Our mission became to create a joyful, inclusive and free Fourth of July celebration that unites Waunakee through shared experience, community spirit and lasting memories,” Chris added.
He tells people to introduce themselves to three fellow attendees at the event because they may become good friends.
For the first event, the committee talked to public works staff and board members about the logistics. Ripp Park had challenges as a venue, in particular a neighboring farm. Initially, the farmer didn’t like the idea but agreed the park would be the best location. So far, only once has the fireworks spooked a cow so much that it ran away.
The park also has no power, so they had to figure out how to add lights immediately after the fireworks ended.
Because the goal was to create a free event – aside from food and drinks – sponsors were needed, and Chris said the business community has been very generous.
The first year, activities included giant bounce houses, which the committee has steered away from since because volunteers are difficult to find to staff them. The kickball tournament also proved to be a poor choice after an aggressive player kicked the ball into a 7-year-old girl, provoking her father.
That year, seven food carts were available; this year, there were 24, and more would alleviate the longer lines.
The committee learned from that first event and each year, the event and its logistics have improved. This year, next to the Euro Bungy where long lines formed, the Canines in the Clouds aerial tricks entertained.
New family entertainment has been added every year. This year, along with pony rides and a petting zoo with baby camels, miniature golf and jumbo games at the shelter were added, along with a parachute jump.
The event has always paid tribute to the nation’s military with an Air Force fly-over – initially by F-16s and more recently by F-35s – and a Black Hawk Helicopter. Chris said service members will volunteer their time on July 4th for these displays, but other days, the cost is about $630,000.
This year, the California-based band, Liquid Blue, performed. Many would have come to see them, but the WaunaBoom committee didn’t advertise; they prefer to keep the event mainly for the Waunakee community, Chris said.
After U.S. News and World Report named WaunaBoom as one of the top places to celebrate Independence Day, Chris got a call from the Department of Homeland Security; they wanted to be sure the site was secure because so many people would congregate in the same spot, he said.
The logistics is challenging to figure out each year, Chris said, and he credited Waunakee’s Parks and Public Works Department for their efforts. And, the event would not be possible without the sponsors and the many volunteers.
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Other news:
Austin Maly has graduated from his Red Rotary Badge to the Blue Badge, indicating that he has completed his orientation as a new member.
Bill Kennedy said the Senior Picnic had an amazing showing of volunteers and picnickers, and complimented Sara Whitley for organizing the event.
The Chamber of Commerce’s Biz & Bevs will be Thursday, July 23, the opening of WaunaFest, in the Chamber Beer tent, Ellen Schaaf announced.
Also, volunteers are needed for the Rotary food tents at WaunaFest and the WaunaFest Run.
Coming Up
July 14: Morning fellowship. 7:15 a.m. at Grace Coffee
July 23-26: WaunaFest
July 24: WaunaFest Run
Aug. 4: Midnight Splash Boat outing
Aug. 5: National Night Out
Greeters: July 16, Shelley Moffatt and Mick Holm; July 23, David Rupp and Bernie Kennedy.
To sign up to greet or to find out when you are greeting, visit:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054CAAAA2CA7F85-44320149-2023#/
