The Wait Is Over: AppleSox Fireworks Night Is Almost Here

For many Wenatchee locals, dedicated AppleSox fans, and families in the area, spending a night of Fourth of July weekend at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium watching the fireworks is a highly anticipated event. Whether attendees frequent AppleSox games all summer long or they are new to the scene entirely, fireworks night here has been known to create an energetic and unique environment as well as memories for years to come. With a beautiful view of the valley, a strong sense of community, and an exciting post-game fireworks show, baseball itself becomes only one piece of the Independence Day celebration.  

Although fans fill the stadium for the fireworks show, players often notice a difference in atmosphere at the park long before the first pitch is thrown. Returning players look forward to the tradition because of the distinct energy and excitement the crowd brings to each July 3rd game. Third year AppleSock, Joe Thornton explains, “It’s just different seeing the fans lined up all along the hillside and feeling the energy from the crowd. Theres something special about baseball around the Fourth of July. I don’t know if it’s the Sandlot or what, but it just hits different”.  When asked about his favorite personal memory of a July 3rd game, Thornton recalls a night from last season where he and fellow AppleSox pitcher, Easton Brooks, participated in the between-inning ketchup and mustard race. “I totally got to beat him,” Thornton said with a laugh. “That was fun.” Lighthearted moments like these shared between players and fans illustrate that fireworks night at the ballpark is about so much more than the game itself.  

While players get to experience the night’s festivities from the field, those behind the scenes have a one-of-a-kind perspective of what sets fireworks night apart from other games on the schedule. Applesox Public Address Announcer Avery Cooper observes the stadium from a different viewpoint, high in the press box with sweeping views of the ballpark and a strong sense of involvement in each game. Cooper expresses his excitement for the upcoming Fourth of July series in saying, “We’ve seen the Edmonton Riverhawks quite a bit and this is going to be a really good match up against them and an amazing fireworks show afterwards”. He encourages fans to come out to the game, addressing the sizable turnout in past years. “The past few times we’ve had the fireworks show, it’s been record-breaking crowds and we definitely expect to see more of that this year”. This year’s July 3 matchup adds even more excitement in that the Applesox are set to host Edmonton, a notoriously competitive team that often provides entertaining competitive games.  

This unmatched atmosphere is not only noticed by players and staff – it’s also what creates lifelong fans, forms family traditions, and keeps regulars coming back each summer. Some of those fans that have returned to Applesox fireworks nights year after year include Stephanie Embernate and her family. When asked whether she and her family were planning on attending this year’s fireworks night, Embernate commented, “Yes! We come every year and we are definitely planning on coming to this year’s game.” She also described the special feeling of energy on fireworks night, saying, “The energy is different-1000%. It’s packed, everyone is so excited and it’s just so much fun”. The Embernate family’s excitement reflects everything that has made the Applesox’s July 3 fireworks night one of the club’s most popular annual events.  

As another fireworks night approaches quickly, players, staff, and fans anticipate a night full of community, tradition, and baseball. While the main attraction remains the fireworks, the family atmosphere and ballpark traditions are what create the truly special community here at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.