As the Fourth of July approaches, North Salt Lake is abuzz with excitement and preparation for the annual Liberty Fest. Central to the festivities are the much-anticipated fireworks show at Eaglewood Golf Course, located at 1110 East Eaglewood Drive, North Salt Lake, and set to kick off at 4 p.m. on July 3. 

Tyler Abettlen, the general manager of Eaglewood Golf Course, is at the heart of the preparations. “A lot of collaboration, a lot of work goes into it,” he said, highlighting the extensive effort by city staff and employees. “We’ve tried to put some numbers on that; we have so many employees and city staff that it’s hard to keep track of cost. It’s a good amount. We’ve already had several meetings. We don’t start setting up until that day, but public works has already started to organize everything. Hundreds of hours have been put in.”

For Abettlen, the fireworks show is a unique event, unlike any other in the area. “It’s a different setting than any other show. The square footage is double or triple the size of other fireworks shows,” he said, emphasizing the scale and the special atmosphere that makes North Salt Lake’s celebration stand out. His favorite part? “I look forward to the day after. I like to see all the people that come up. I like to see the residents and the new people come up and see how much they enjoy Eaglewood.”

In stark contrast, 9-year-old David Arbizu, a resident of North Salt Lake, views the fireworks show from a perspective of pure wonder and excitement. “Fireworks!” he exclaims when asked what he is most looking forward to. For David, the event is a highlight of his year. “We go watch the fireworks show at the golf course, it’s so much fun!” he said. David’s excitement extends beyond the fireworks. “There’s a lot of good food too,” he said, noting that the food is a major highlight for him. “Most excited about the food, though, definitely,” he adds with a grin.

As the event draws nearer, the community comes together in a flurry of activity. The golf course becomes a hive of preparations, with workers setting up stages, food vendors preparing their stalls, and volunteers decorating. The air is filled with the sounds of bustling activity and the scent of delicious food being readied for the big night.

Abettlen ensures everything is on track, reminding attendees to, “prepare for parking, come early, come at 4 p.m. But also, if you want, beat the heat and come later and beat the heat by sunscreen and drink plenty of water.” Meanwhile, David and his family plan their evening ahead of time and are eager to choose their perfect spot on the grass to watch the sky light up.

As the event draws nearer, the community comes together in a flurry of activity.

Tyler ensures everything is on track, reminding attendees to "prepare for parking, come early, come at 4 PM. But also, if you want, beat the heat and come later and beat the heat by sunscreen and drink plenty of water." Meanwhile, David and his family are busy with their own preparations. They wanted to remind everyone to gather big blankets, water, money for delicious food, and of course, bug spray to ensure they are comfortable and ready for the big event.