Boulder’s Fourth of July celebrations will look different this year —  the annual Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast fireworks at Folsom Field is canceled, after WK Real Estate said it will no longer sponsor the event.

The real estate company has coordinated the fireworks for the event for 24 years, according to the Boulder release. However, following a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19, and last year’s early end due to severe weather, the real estate company said it would no longer sponsor the event.

“It has been a privilege for everyone at WK Real Estate to be a part of the 4th of July at Folsom Field,” WK Real Estate owner Dan Kingdom said in a press release. “We have enjoyed being a part of this Boulder County tradition and will cherish the many great memories and relationships we have from our years of sponsoring the event.”

Lightning illuminates the sky as drones spelling out 1776 hover above Folsom Field after a weather delay on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. The show was cut short after severe weather moved into Boulder. (Matthew Jonas/Staff Photographer)
Lightning illuminates the sky as drones spelling out 1776 hover above Folsom Field after a weather delay on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. The show was cut short after severe weather moved into Boulder. (Matthew Jonas/Staff Photographer)

Boulder City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde said the work of WK Real Estate over the years was an “extraordinary contribution.”

“We appreciate both the years of celebration made possible by WK Real Estate and the model of partnership they helped us forge,” Rivera-Vandermyde said.

City officials, Visit Boulder, the Boulder Chamber and University of Colorado Boulder are now looking for a flagship sponsor or group of sponsors to bring back the event at Folsom Field.

This year, families and residents can celebrate the holiday at a number of other events throughout the city. Residents can watch the Boulder Symphony at the Glen Huntington Bandshell, 1212 Canyon Blvd., or spend the day at the Boulder Reservoir, 5565 N. 51st St., which will be open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Others may choose to spend the day at local parks and pools. The East Boulder Community Center will be open until 1:30 p.m. and Scott Carpenter Pool, Spruce Pool and Flatirons Golf Course will all remain open during normal hours. All Boulder parks will stay open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Open Space and Mountain Parks also will remain open. However, all ignition sources, such as smoking and campsite fires, are prohibited. Fireworks also are illegal on open space land throughout the city, according to the release.