PEORIA, Ill. – The Choose Greater Peoria Red, White and Boom fireworks show is just a few weeks away.
On the Fourth of July, up to 200,000 people will be on Peoria and East Peoria’s riverfronts to watch the show.
At the Gateway Building Monday afternoon, WMBD Radio’s Greg Batton said for years, Red White and Boom has been neck and neck with Itasca, Illinois, in claiming to have the biggest fireworks show in Illinois.
“They dropped theirs (fireworks show)…uh, we win. And now we’re the biggest in the state…the top 1-percent in the United States. That’s impressive…that’s unbelievable to be honest with you,” Batton said.

WMBD Radio’s Greg Batton served as emcee at Monday’s press conference previewing the Greater Peoria Red, White and Boom fireworks show on July 4th. (1470 and 100.3 WMBD-Julia Bradley)
Choose Greater Peoria Red, White and Boom is a collaboration of Midwest Communications and the Peoria Park District, with help from Peoria and East Peoria’s Police and Fire departments, city officials and local sponsors.
Illinois State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, of Peoria, Greater Peoria Red, White and Boom is one of the area’s premier events.
“Red, White and Boom is literally one of the best inter-generational events that we offer in the community. I’m incredibly excited about what we have to bring forward to not only the community, but for our region,” Gordon-Booth said.
With at least 160,000 people expected to attend Red, White and Boom this year, Peoria Mayor Rita Ali reiterated on Monday that this year’s celebration on the riverfront will be safe.
“There’s going to be a massive amount of law enforcement and police technology…from drones to cameras, and other technologies,” Ali said.
Police and Fire personnel will be out in force on both sides of the river this Fourth of July, making sure everyone watching the show is safe.

East Peoria Fire Chief Bobby Zimmerman spoke on Monday at a press conference previewing this year’s Greater Peoria Red, White and Boom fireworks show. (1470 and 100.3 WMBD-Julia Bradley)
Just a reminder…no personal fireworks or drones are allowed at Red, White and Boom.
To learn more about this year’s Red, White and Boom, click HERE.
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