Today is the Fourth of July, and there are celebrations planned all across West Michigan for those interested in marking the holiday celebrating American independence from British rule by doing something special or social. Here's a brief list of some of the local celebrations for those of you deciding what they want to do to celebrate today!
The largest display of fireworks and gathering of locals will likely take place in downtown Grand Rapids, where the fireworks display has in the past drawn crowds of up to 150,000 people. The free fireworks themselves will start at 10:30 pm, visible from most of downtown and Ah-Nab-Awen park, which will also host free family-friendly activities earlier in the day, including live music beginning at 5:30 pm.
Nearby, East Grand Rapids will also be hosting a day full of activities culminating in a free fireworks display over Reeds Lake at 10:15 pm tonight. The city-wide celebration begins with a parade at noon today, followed by a free family-friendly party at John Collins Park on Reeds Lake. There will be music, inflatables, games, airbrush tattoos, and plenty more to keep people of all ages entertained and festive throughout the day.
South of town, Kentwood will also be holding celebrations as well. There was a parade held this morning, along with a 5K race and fun walk. Later tonight, there will be free fireworks which will begin at dusk, and there will also be carnival rides (which are not free), live music, giant inflatables, and plenty of other chances for fun.
The Grandville community will also be hosting a celebration today. It began bright and early with a pancake breakfast and parade. There is also a penny carnival, the Ducky Dash, and activities for kids throughout the day. Their fireworks display will also begin at dusk and will be located at the Grandville Middle School.
In Marne, the Berlin Raceway will be hosting the 3rd annual Lee Anderson Memorial with fireworks. Entrance is free to seniors over 65 and military veterans, and they will also receive $1 hot dogs and draft beers. For everyone else, admission for adults is $12 and kids are $5. The races begin at 6:30, followed by a fireworks show once the races are finished for the evening.
In Grand Haven, there will be a fireworks display at the musical fountain. The fireworks display will actually incorporate the musical fountain, so ideal seating can be located at the Waterfront Stadium, though other excellent vantage points can be found nearby as well. The show starts at 10 pm and runs for an hour.
Finally, there's a Whitecaps home game at the Fifth Third ballpark. The West Michigan Whitecaps will be squaring off against the Great Lakes Loons at 7 pm, with fireworks at the ballpark to follow the game itself.
Happy Fourth of July from Pyxis Realty to all of our readers and clients! May the sun shine warm your day, may your grills never be empty, and may the weather hold for your enjoyment of the fireworks tonight!