July 5, 2026
By Tim Hundt
VIROQUA Wis. – An incident involving a simulated machine gun during the 2026 4th of July fireworks celebration at the Vernon County Fairgrounds has sparked community concern after four individuals in a Jeep drove onto the fairgrounds track with a simulated 50 caliber automatic rifle mounted to the roof. An online video of the incident clearly shows the weapon simulating realistic gunfire with muzzle flashes and sounds like a real machine gun. Some social media post claim at one point the weapon was pointed at the crowd but that is not clear from the video that is circulating.
Where the jeep and the simulated weapon came from or who provide it is still not clear, but the realistic sounds of automatic gunfire caused concern with a number of attendees and their many families. We received a number of messages from families who said they feared a mass shooting was underway. Families who were located near the Viroqua Community Arena, a popular family viewing spot because of the slight slope and grassy area, were unable to see the jeep or where the sound was coming from added to the confusion causing some of them to wonder if a mass shooting was happening.
Vernon County resident and former county board chairman Dennis Brault was in that area with his family and said he was seriously questioning if there was a mass incident underway. Brault said he lives in the country and is very familiar with what gunfire sounds like because all of the deer hunting that happens where he lives.
“Just before the fireworks began I distinctly remember hearing what I recognized as a semiautomatic rifle firing rapidly,” said Brault. “One or two clips, I’m not sure. My first thought, even though we were parked by the Ice Arena a good ways away, was: what if that that’s a mass shooter? Are there more? I begin looking around at all the families that were there. This could be a nightmare. How do I protect my family if shooting starts near us? How do we escape? Anyone nearby look suspicious?”
Brault went on to say that a lack of explanation of what was happening only added to the reaction.
“No siren,” said Brault. “No flashing lights. No more possible shots. Good that’s good. Still no response, no more shooting. Stress lowering. Stay on alert and watch the show. Stay on alert and watch the show.”
Viroqua Mayor Krista Browne addressed the situation in a phone interview noting that the city is actively investigating the incident and gathering information.
“Celebrating the Fourth of July with a show of fireworks as a long-standing community tradition in Viroqua,” said Browne. “I recognize there was an unexpected moment before the show Saturday night that created confusion, fear, and left many participants of all ages with questions and concerns. I’m working with the organizers of the event to better understand the situation, and you can expect that further information will be released as I learn more.”
Browne clarified that while the city provides a financial contribution to help fund the fireworks and assist with insurance costs, the celebration is not a city run event. The display takes place on private property controlled by the Vernon County Agricultural Society. Furthermore the fireworks show itself has been organized for decades by a dedicated local volunteer group known as the Viroqua Skylighters.
The mayor stated she is actively working with law enforcement, city staff, the agricultural society and the Skylighters to determine how the incident occurred. Browne noted she has reached out to local organizers but is awaiting clear answers.
While no real bullets were fired, Browne emphasized a fake weapon designed to look and sound like a heavy machine gun will inevitably cause fear for some.
“If it is hoof beats and looks like a horse you do not think zebra,” said Browne. “It is a public event and we should know what to expect when we are out in public gatherings and we should be able to feel safe there.”
She stressed the importance of using this as a learning moment to improve future community celebrations.
“We are going to get together and we are going to talk about what we want a celebration to look like,” said Browne. “And then we are going to communicate it so you know what to expect and that is how we are going to go forward.”
If I had the power to enforce it, I would ban the manufacture, distribution and setting off of all “fireworks in the entire country. They use up natural resources, do not make life better for any human being being, animal, fowl, or plant on Earth, leave debris and air pollution all over the place where detonated and serve no useful purpose at all. Except for watchers to keep repeating vowel sounds like “Oooohh” and “aahhh!”