Glenn Beck, plus 25,000 people at LaVell Edwards Stadium, plus fireworks, equals what promises to be a memorable Fourth of July.

Beck, the popular syndicated conservative political TV and radio figure, will be the emcee at this year's Stadium of Fire.

Beck hosts his own opinion news program on Headline News called the "Glenn Beck Show."

Stadium of Fire organizers are jubilant over Beck's agreement to host the capstone event of America's Freedom Festival.

"We are thrilled to have someone of Glenn's caliber be a part of the show," said Brad Pelo, America's Freedom Foundation trustee and Stadium of Fire's senior executive producer. "He believes deeply in civic responsibility and preserving the freedoms we possess as a nation."

Beck's radio and TV programs are both broadcast along the Wasatch Front, and organizers attribute the popularity he enjoys to his quick wit, candid opinions and an engaging personality. Beck is also a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a fact which is not lost on organizers.

"We think that his experiences in life allow him to know the importance of those issues we are trying to emphasize in the country," said Paul Warner, executive director of the Freedom Festival.

The headline act for this year's Stadium of Fire is Brooks and Dunn, who will perform a full 14-song concert.

Not to be outdone, however, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and his band, "Politically Incorrect," will perform a few songs to open the night.

Disney will be a theme of the night, with fireworks set to Disney songs. Disney Channel star Corbin Bleu of the Disney films "High School Musical" and "Jump In" will perform, along with a handful of backup dancers. While Bleu may be dancing on stage, the annual performance of the Stadium of Fire Dancers is slated to be the most complex number ever performed at the show. It will feature more dancers than ever -- about 1,000 teenage girls.

Patriotism will not be lacking either. Much of the fireworks show will be set to patriotic music, and members of each branch of the armed services will be honored as their service hymn is played.

The whole of the event will be broadcast to troops around the world via the American Forces Network. The celebration will take place July 4 at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

Tickets can be purchased:

online www.stadiumoffire.com

by phone at 422-BYU1 or 800-322-BYU1

in person at the Marriott Center ticket office on the Brigham Young University campus.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A1.