Appleton had plenty to celebrate this Fourth of July weekend, with two festive events drawing residents together for a memorable holiday stretch.

The city’s annual fireworks display returned on Friday, July 4, with organizers expecting a crowd of around 10,000 people to gather and mark a milestone occasion — America’s 250th birthday. The celebration offered the Fox Valley community a chance to come together and commemorate the nation’s semiquincentennial in style.

Adding an extra layer of wonder to the weekend, Appleton also welcomed magicians from across the country for a convention held in the city in honor of Harry Houdini. The legendary escape artist has a well-known connection to Appleton, which claims him as a hometown hero, making the city a fitting and meaningful host for the gathering. Illusionists and performers traveled to Appleton to pay tribute to Houdini’s legacy and share their craft.

Together, the two events made for a festive and community-spirited holiday weekend — one that blended patriotic pride with a nod to Appleton’s own place in American history.

Sources: WBAY, WFRV Local 5