WOOD RIVER – The City of Wood River and the Wood River Business Alliance said their first Fourth of July celebration drew a strong turnout Friday, July 3, 2026, at Belk Park, where residents and visitors gathered for live music, food, activities and a drone show marking America’s 250th.
“What a celebration,” the Wood River Business Alliance’s Executive Director Kristen Burns said following the event, describing a day “filled with laughter, memories, and hometown pride.”
The celebration featured music by Butch Wax & The Hollywoods, food and drinks, and an evening drone show. Burns said the drone show set Wood River apart from other communities.
“Drone shows are very different from other municipalities; we were excited to bring a drone show to the Riverbend area,” Burns said.
Burns also said the event included “tons of food vendors” and activities, with “all activities free” and food and beverages the only items to pay for, along with outstanding music throughout the night.
Organizers said the event was months in the making. Burns said planning began in September as organizers worked to secure the drone show and the band.
“We started in September 2025 working on this and trying to secure the drone show and band and a lot of ideas and people working together,” Burns said.
The Wood River Business Alliance thanked its America 250 Committee, volunteers and multiple city departments for helping make the event possible, including work done before, during and after the celebration.
Burns said city departments collaborated on the effort, including the Police and Fire Departments, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation.
“All the different departments work well together, excited to have a great event for residents and visitors of Wood River,” Burns said.
“As this was our first Fourth of July celebration, we know there are a few things we’ll improve for next year, but we couldn’t be happier with how the day came together,” she said.
“Thank you for choosing to spend the start of your holiday weekend with us, for supporting this new tradition, and for helping make it such a memorable day,” Burns closed.
