Wawa Welcome America and Melaleuca Freedom Celebration

America’s birthday is right around the corner, and what better way for Responsible Foods to celebrate than to find consumer companies who directly support the birthday festivities!

Admittedly, it was difficult to find any consumer companies that are the primary sponsor of large fireworks shows or Fourth of July events. But we did find two companies, and they put on massive celebrations!

Wawa and Melaleuca are both unique companies with a loyal customer base. Let’s look at what makes each of them stand out and how they support Independence Day.

Wawa Welcome America

For many in the eastern United States, Wawa is a household name, a beloved chain of convenience stores and gas stations. The company is headquartered in Wawa, Pennsylvania, and has over 1,000 locations. The bizarre name comes from an indigenous word that means snow goose (and even more strangely, the company logo features not a snow goose but a Canada goose).

Held each year in Philadelphia, the Wawa Welcome America festival is a vibrant, 16-day extravaganza that encapsulates the essence of freedom. And it isn’t just about fireworks; it’s about embracing arts, culture, and American history. For more than two weeks, there are free concerts featuring local and national artists, like Ludacris and Demi Lovato (who performed in 2023) as well as educational programs, free access to museums, and even Wawa Hoagie Day. At Wawa Welcome America, there’s something for everyone.

Technically this event is a team effort. Welcome America, Inc. is actually its own organization, a 501c3 nonprofit, that puts on various events in Philadelphia to increase awareness of the city.

And of course, there are fireworks! On July 4, the city’s biggest fireworks display lights up the skies over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It’s quite an extravaganza and a great ending to days and days of entertainment, education, and celebration.

Melaleuca Freedom Celebration

Now we go all the way over to the other side of the country to the rugged terrain of eastern Idaho. Close to Yellowstone National Park, Melaleuca: The Wellness Company hosts an iconic fireworks extravaganza called the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration. We’ve already highlighted this consumer goods company. They were featured in our Presidents’ Day post along with Black Rifle Coffee Company.

The Freedom Celebration is massive and consists of over 18,500 shells lighting up Idaho’s skyline over the banks of the Snake River for 31 minutes. To many people, this event is off the beaten path, but the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration has become the largest fireworks show west of the Mississippi and one the top fireworks shows in the nation. It’s known to triple the town’s population, drawing over 220,000 spectators for the free event.

Headquartered in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Melaleuca is a CPG company that makes hundreds of products ranging from supplements, fitness powders, and snack items to cleaning supplies, essential oils, and cosmetics. Melaleuca oversees this fireworks show and covers all of the expenses as a way to pay tribute to America’s Founding Fathers, veterans, service members and their families.

If you’re anywhere near Idaho on the Fourth of July, you might want to take a scenic drive to this show.

The Freedom Celebration is advertised as the largest fireworks display west of the Mississippi River. Considering that it features more than 18,000 shells, we don’t find it hard to believe Melaleuca. If you want a show bigger than that, you’ll probably have to go to a much larger city (think New York).

But the celebration isn’t just about the fireworks. Before this 18,000-shell grand finale, Riverfest sets the stage for a day of family-friendly fun along the banks of the Snake River. Sponsored by another local entity, Riverfest features live entertainment, local vendors, and activities for all ages.

It might not be 16 days long or feature Ludacris, but you’d have a hard time finding a show with 18,000 shells and a dedicated amphitheater anywhere else.

Responsible Foods Celebrating the American Spirit

Fireworks and Fourth of July celebrations are a foundational tradition in the United States. We’re glad to find at least two food companies that sponsor patriotic celebrations, and we hope to see more in the future!

Wawa Welcome America illuminates the streets of Philadelphia, the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration paints the Idaho night sky, and both of these great events help to remind us of the values we hold dear and the great nation we live in.