ALTON – Thousands of people gathered in Downtown Alton on Friday night, July 3, 2026, for the city’s annual fireworks display, an event officials said was expanded for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration despite hot weather.
The Annual Alton Fireworks display was part of a three-day local observance in the city tied to the country’s 250th anniversary, with the riverfront fireworks serving as a major draw for the community.
Mayor David Goins said the city added “a couple more days” to the celebration because of the 250th anniversary of the nation and said he was proud of what was provided for Alton residents.
“Obviously, with the 250th anniversary of our nation, we have added a couple more days and Goins said this year’s fireworks display was designed to be larger than usual.
“The fireworks were even more impressive this time around. We put some extra into it — bigger and better this year because of the 250th,” he said.
He described the fireworks as the third day of the celebration, following other events, and said the riverfront show is consistently a strong attraction.
Goins credited the Alton Amphitheater Commission, along with sponsors, for organizing the event and helping plan the broader “250 on the Mississippi” celebration.
“The Amphitheater Commission worked with a lot of sponsors, and they put together a good show and a lot of planning,” Goins added.
Earlier in the week, Goins also pointed to Duke Bakery’s 75th anniversary as part of the local celebration, highlighting the bakery’s 75-foot cake and the return of Duke soda.
“Duke Bakery 75th anniversary earlier in the week was phenomenal,” Goins said, calling it “a great part of the celebration in Alton.” “To have a family-owned business in this day and time for 75 years is remarkable,” the mayor said.
“I was honored to present a proclamation marking Duke Bakery Day on July 1.”
Goins said the heat was the only problem during the celebration this week, but organizers worked around it.
“I was super excited about this week’s celebration because of America’s 250th anniversary,” the mayor added.
