[Cyano]

This will be the first 4th that we will be in town and not visiting family. I see that there are several places in Des Moines that are having fireworks shows (Racoon River, Principal Park, and a few others). Is there a best show or are they all about equal? For those that live in Des Moines or have seen fireworks in Des Moines, where is the best place to go?

[throwittoblythe]

I went to Principal last year for the 4th and it was a great show. You see baseball & then get the fireworks to boot. I wanted to go again this year but my gf has to work. I don't know about others, but I know that you can't go wrong by going to Principal

[CY ST8T]

There are three Great options that I have from all the years I have lived in the Metro area. First Prairie Meadows where they put a boatload of cash into there fireworks and is by far the best in the area. The problem is that it takes 2 hours to get home if you don't get lucky. They are tonight though on the 3rd. Also tonight on the 3rd is Des Moines Pops which I have not seen, but heard about. It happens to be where I am going. They have the Des Moines Symphony play while shooting fireworks over the Capitol. The other ones that are also very good are the Windsor Heights show that they have shooting from the 8th Street Wal-mart tomorrow night. I have seen the ones at the old Sec Taylor a few years ago and they were not bad either.

[DaddyMac]

I'd say they're all about the same.

The Pops is tonight at the capitol. I've been there once and will never go again - absolutely insane traffic and thousands upon thousands of people.. But the show is good.

A couple years back we took my sister and her kids down to the river by the police station and watched the I-Cubs fireworks. That was good and not nearly as busy. Those are tomorrow night.

Otherwise, I haven't run around to see, but I'd guess West Des Moines are probably the better of the city displays - not sure when they are. In the past they've been down at Raccoon River Valley Park. The parade is today, I do know that. But those are usually pretty busy as well.

[CyGal]

Careful about the fireworks at Principal Park. Last time we were there for the 4th, a big wind blew the smoke and ash over the river and into the park. A bunch of ash fell into the crowd, some of it into my husband's eye and on his legs and arms. It was a pretty good show up until then.

[DaddyMac]

If you want to catch the game, better hurry. I called down earlier today and they're down to a few hundred seats.

[AirWalke]

Are there any good fireworks shows near the Ames area, maybe in Ankeny? This is my first summer in Ames, and I have no idea where to go. I'm going to go see the Des Moines Pops this evening, so I don't really feel like traveling down there again for a 2nd straight day.

[brianhos]

Second the prairie meadows! They are by far the best fireworks in dsm, nothing else even comes close. The Sec Taylor (yes Sec Taylor) ones are nice, especially after going to the game all night. But for taking the kiddos, PM is way out in front.

[brianhos]

Originally Posted by AirWalke

Are there any good fireworks shows near the Ames area, maybe in Ankeny? This is my first summer in Ames, and I have no idea where to go. I'm going to go see the Des Moines Pops this evening, so I don't really feel like traveling down there again for a 2nd straight day.

Prairie meadows fireworks are tonight.

[cyclonekj]

Des Moines Pops is great for adults. Kids would probably lose interest pretty quickly. The Windsor Heights festival has a carnival for the kiddies, food, beer and wine for the adults, and live music (The Blue Band the last few years), followed by fireworks. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs.

[DareDevil]

For the Des Moines Pops when is it a good time to arrive by?

[Psyclone Brian]

Principal Park (aka Sec Taylor stadium) does have an incredible show, much better than their usual Friday night shows. ...Pop's? I agree kid's may lose interest very quickly... Some have mentioned Windsor Heights which are good too, as well as West Des Moines, mainly because of all the optimal viewing areas. But my favorite (biased by tradition) is heading out to Urbandale's Lion's Park. All day festivities! A carnival going on (even right now, I think) an incredible parade tomorrow morning... and a fireworks show like no other at night! From what I've seen over the years, nothing comes close to this show. Food... rides... parking... law enforcement... a little bit of everything for everyone! And for some silly reason, a lot of people walking around in ISU garb. haha...
Happy 4th wherever you go!

[DaddyMac]

My wife's group has somebody going down at 3:00 to get a spot - for a larger group. She's going down about 5 or so. But they're doing the picnic thing, making an evening out of it.

[psycln11]

Originally Posted by AirWalke

Are there any good fireworks shows near the Ames area, maybe in Ankeny? This is my first summer in Ames, and I have no idea where to go. I'm going to go see the Des Moines Pops this evening, so I don't really feel like traveling down there again for a 2nd straight day.

Ames has fireworks on the 4th out at Stuart Smith Park, the greenbelt along Squaw Creek across from Jack Trice/Hilton.

Ankeny has fireworks on Sunday, July 15th as part of the Ankeny Summerfest.

[alaskaguy]

Aw, fireworks on the fourth is something that I miss. When it doesn't get dark at night there is no longer a compelling reason to have fireworks displays.

Guess I just stick with the parade, speeches, ice cream socials, and street games we have here.