Tag Archives: Fourth of July

Kentwood Fourth of July Celebration features pancake breakfast, parade, carnival, 5K race, fireworks show and more

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, West Michigan,
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The City of Kentwood is inviting community members of all ages to participate in its Fourth of July celebration on Tuesday, July 4.

The annual event includes a full day of activities for all ages and interests, including a pancake breakfast, 5K race, parade, carnival, fireworks show and more.

“Our Fourth of July Celebration is a community-favorite event and is a tradition we have enjoyed for many decades,” Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “This is a great opportunity for community members to gather in the summer sun and connect with friends and neighbors while celebrating with food, fireworks and fun.”

There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available throughout the day. Community members who are interested in volunteering can visit kentwood.us/july4 to sign up or call 616-656-5270.


Kentwood Fourth of July Parade. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


Pancake and sausage breakfast

The day starts with a pancake and sausage breakfast at Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE. The breakfast takes place fro 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and costs $5 per person. It’s free for ages 5 and younger.

5K race and fun walk

The NN Autocam 5K Race & Fun Walk will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the start and finish at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Road SE. The route will take participants through nearby neighborhoods and across a portion of the East West Trail. For the safety of all participants, roller skates, dogs and bicycles will not be allowed on the course. All participants will receive a finisher medal.

Parade

At 9:30 a.m., the parade will begin. This year’s parade will feature a new route that starts at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE. The parade will travel south on Walma Avenue SE to Breton Avenue, turn north at the roundabout, head east on 44th Street and end at Crestwood Middle School.

Carnival

From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., community members can head over to City Hall for a carnival filled with rides, games, prizes and more. Individual tickets cost $1 each, and the number of tickets needed for each attraction varies. Wristbands also will be available for purchase at the event and in advance for $20 at City Hall and the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, on Friday, June 30 and Monday, July 3. City Hall is open 7:30 a.m. to noon Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday. The Kentwood Activities Center is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday.


Spectators line up for a past Kentwood Fourth of July Parade. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

Community booths, beer tent, food trucks, live music and fireworks

The day concludes with an evening celebration at City Hall from 4 to 10 p.m. that features community booths, a beer tent, food trucks, live music and fireworks. There will be musical performances by Bucket O Maybes, the Decades-Band and JP & The Energy. The fireworks show begins at dusk and is visible from City Hall and surrounding areas.

A section of Walma Avenue near City Hall from Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE, to the roundabout will be closed all day to allow pedestrians to safely cross the street and take part in the activities. A section of Breton Avenue in front of the library to the roundabout will be closed for the fireworks display. It will close 15 minutes before the show and reopen 30 minutes after the fireworks are done. The Kentwood Police Department and volunteers will be on-site to help direct traffic.

Community members should also note 52nd Street is under construction between Kalamazoo and Breton avenues, which may impact routes for the event. A detour map is available at kentwood.us/EventDetour.

The City is seeking 5K runners, parade participants and volunteers for the day’s events. Visit kentwood.us/4thofJuly to learn more and sign up.

Other Local Fireworks Celebrations

Grandville: Tuesday, July 4 at Grandville Middle School, 3535 Wilson Ave. SW.

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Arts and Crafts Show

11 a.m. Parade on Wilson Ave. and Flyover along the parade route.

Noon to Dark: Food Vendors

1 to 4 p.m. Penny Carnival by the Scouts

2 to 9 p.m. Kids Zone Inflatables and Activities

2 to 4 p.m. Live Music from Ian Ormiston

4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Live Music from John Rush

7 to 10:15 p.m. Live Music from After it All

At Dark: Fireworks

Grand Rapids Fireworks: Saturday, July 1 at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 220 Front Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. Music starts at 6 p.m. with DJ Rob Sparks and 8 p.m. Stone Soul Rhythm Band. Fireworks are at 10:30 p.m. 

East Grand Rapids: Tuesday, July 4. Fireworks show begins at dusk over Reeds Lake.

Caledonia Township: Saturday, July 1.

Fourth of July events, fireworks around West Michigan

Citizen Journalism, ,
Mackinaw City and St. Igance are just some of the places hosting fireworks for July 4th. .

By West Michigan Tourist Association

Find 4th of July fireworks, porch decorating contests, late night kayak floats, special golf outings, and more to enjoy in West Michigan this month! 

 

Due to COVID-19, many summer events throughout Michigan are being updated and changed on a daily basis. While this article was accurate to the best of our knowledge upon publication, we strongly suggest confirming with festival organizers before making plans to attend the below events.

4th of July Celebrations

Silver Lake’s Thunder Over the Dunes fireworks event is scheduled to take place at 10:00 pm on July 4th at Silver Lake Sand Dunes State Park in Mears.

Celebrate America at Vacation Station RV Resort in Ludington with bingo, tie dye crafts, bike and golf cart parade, site decorating and a pancake breakfast on July 4th!

The Ludington Area Jaycees Porch Decorating Contest will be held throughout greater Mason County to celebrate Independence Day. Dress up your outdoor area with red, white and blue for this new, festive event with chances to win a prize. Find details on the Jaycees’ website.

Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. is the 4th annual Heykoop Veteran Memorial Car Show & Benefit at the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum in Muskegon, benefiting Lighthouse For Veterans and the fight against Veteran suicide. There will be DJ’d music, vendors, Pinning Ceremony, 50/50 Raffle, Silent and two live auctions, as well as a bounce house and face painting for the kids.

Northern Michigan’s Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire is getting a jump start on celebrating Independence Day this year. Kick off the holiday weekend with fireworks on Friday, July 3rd. Make a weekend of it and stay, golf, hike or just relax and reconnect with family.

The Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce hopes to capture some of the holiday spirit by organizing a #SafeHarbor 4th of July online celebration to create a driving tour of patriotic homes, businesses, and vehicles. Local residents and businesses are encouraged to decorate their homes, businesses, and vehicles and post the pictures on the chamber’s Facebook page. Please include the address of home or business of pictures sent in. Photos will be shared on social media, as well as the chamber newsletter and website. Contest will honor the best of these categories: Most Patriotic Business, Most Patriotic Home, Most Patriotic Family, and Most Patriotic Vehicle. 

Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau looks forward to seeing everyone in Mackinaw City for fireworks on the 4th of July.

Fourth of July Fireworks will take place in St. Ignace at dusk and there will be fireworks every Saturday night after that through Labor Day Weekend.

Although the Independence Day Parade has been cancelled, the Sault Ste. Marie 4th of July fireworks will still be taking place at dusk.

More Events and Happenings in July 

Harbor Springs will host the Blessing of the Fleet boat parade.

Harbor Springs Area Historical Society will be hosting the Blessing of the Fleet boat parade July 2 at 6 p.m. on Little Traverse Bay. This annual event, now in its eighth year, is the official start of summer in Harbor Springs and honors the rich maritime history of the area. Vessels of all shapes and sizes are welcome to take part and decorations are encouraged. When registering, participants can select from several options which include offers of commemorate baseball caps.

Crystal Mountain will be hosting several Fourth of July activities that include the Alpine slide, activities, laser tag, campfires, bike parade, golf scramble, and chairlift rides with live entertainment. Activities run July 1 to July 5. For more information, visit www.crystalmountain.com.

Cornwell’s Turkeyville in Marshall welcomes back the Flea Market & Antique Show 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. July 3 – 5.

Put your paddles in the river on July 4 with Guy’s Ultimate Kayak Service in Muskegon for a 1 & 1/2 hour full moon float at the Hungry Ghost Moon Full Moon Kayak Float. Your float includes a kayak, paddle, life vest, glow stick, and transport back to your vehicle. Kayak owners are welcome to join, but must provide transport for themselves and their kayaks upstream. Book your float online or call 231-740-0227 for more information.

During what would have been the National Cherry Festival week in Traverse City (July 4 – 11), members of the community are invited to join in the Very Cherry Porch Parade by decorating their porch, yard, or window to bring a smile to your friends and neighbors. The theme of the porch parade is cherries to celebrate the region’s favorite fruit! The Very Cherry Porch Parade will take place from July 4 to July 11. Registration is quick, simple and free.

Robinnette’s Apple Hause Barnyard Sale will be held at the Grand Rapids farm July 8 – 11.

If you’ve never experienced a fresh Michigan sweet cherry picked right off the tree, then you’re in for a real treat!  Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo in New Era is celebrating cherry season with everything from food to fun. Bring your family and friends to enjoy cherry donuts, cherry pie, cherry orchard tours, U-pick cherries, cherry pit spitting contest, and so much more at the Cherry Jubliee, July 11 and 12. 

Enjoy a Ladies Day and golf clinic on July 19 at The Lynx Golf Club in Otsego.  Options for either 9 holes, or 18 holes with a skills clinic by Patti Butcher, LPGA.  Register online at migolfleague.com.

Come shoot sporting clays at Blendon Pines Gun Club in Zeeland! Great for families or friends, as you are outside and can easily distance in the fresh air! It’s like golf with a gun. New shooters, no problem! Onsite instructors will start you with a safety talk and demonstration.  Great for couples, families, small groups and those seeking a new experience. Full gun store, with ammo, clothing, guns, flashlights, knives, hats, shirts, and more available onsite. Blendon Pines is open Wednesday through Saturday. For more, call 616-875-7000 or visit Blendon Pines online.

WKTV will host special Fourth of July programming for the holidays

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, ,

WKTV will broadcast the Kentwood Fourth of July parade.

For the Fourth of July holiday, WKTV will be hosting special programs to celebrate the nations 242nd birthday. The programming will include two showings of the Kentwood 4th of July Parade, 12:30 and 7:30 p.m.

 

Here is a detail look of the Fourth of July schedule:

 

9:00am Senior Exercise: Summer Special

9:30am Celebrating Life & Food: Celebrating the 4th of July
10:00am 4th of July Special
10:30am A Salute To Honor
11:00am Wings of a Mighty Fortress
12:30pm Kentwood 4th of July Parade
1:00pm Lost Boat Ceremony
2:15pm Lest We Forget
4:30pm Patriotic Festival of Music
6:00pm West Shore Symphony: Spirit of America
7:30pm Kentwood 4th of July Parade
8:00pm 2017 Metro Cruise
8:30pm Wings of a Mighty Fortress
10:00pm Veteran’s Creative Arts Festival

Tickets on sale for Public Museum’s Front Row for the Fireworks

Entertainment, ,

By Christie Bender

grpm.org

 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s (GRPM) annual Independence Day fundraiser, Front Row for the Fireworks, offers visitors an evening of entertainment, discovery and fun. Front Row for the Fireworks will take place on Saturday, July 7, to coincide with the City of Grand Rapids’ celebration.

 

In addition to having front row seats underneath the fireworks, the night includes patriotic music playing on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, live sky shows in the Chaffee Planetarium, rides on the 1928 Spillman Carousel, as well as a unique Museum-wide scavenger hunt for the family. For 2018, event tickets will also include admission to the GRPM’s summer exhibits Be The Astronaut and Zoo In You: Microbes!

 

At dusk, visitors can head outside to the enclosed lawn seating areas or stay inside the Museum in air-conditioned comfort to have an amazing view of the fireworks as they burst over the Grand River. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for outdoor seating.

 

During the event, the Museum will offer affordable meal deals for $6.00, featuring a summer menu. Ice cream treats will also be available for purchase.

 

Tickets are on sale now! Tickets are $10 for Museum members and $15 for the general public. For more information and to purchase tickets visit grpm.org/FrontRow, call 616.929.1700 or stop by the Museum’s front desk. Proceeds from this event support exhibits and programs of the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

 

Please note, the Museum will close at 5 p.m. on July 7 and re-open at 6:30 p.m.

Kentwood celebrates Fourth of July with a day full of activities

City of Kentwood, , , , , ,

 

A pancake breakfast, 5K run, carnival games and of course, fireworks, all adds up to one event — the City of Kentwood’s annual July 4th Celebration.

 

Taking place on Tuesday, July 4, the celebration kicks off with a pancake breakfast from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. at a new location, the Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Library, 4950 Breton Rd. SE. For $5, its pancakes and sausage to start off the day.

 

From there, participants can head next door to City Hall, 4900 Breton Rd. SE, watch the start of the Autocam 5K Race and Fun Walk, which starts at 8:30 a.m. Cheer the runners on as they follow a new course this year that will start and end at City Hall along with allowing race participants to travel through the East West Trail and the neighborhoods west of City Hall.

 

From City Hall, visitors have an excellent opportunity to snag a viewing spot for this year’s parade which will step off at 9:30 a.m. from Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE, exiting out of the south drive on to Walma Avenue. The parade will travel south down Walma to Breton, going right past the Kentwood City Hall. From Breton, the route will go west on 52nd Street, ending at Challenger Elementary School, 2475 52nd St. SE. The annual parade is covered live by WKTV on Channel 25.

 

The celebration takes a break for the afternoon with evening activities set to start at 6 p.m. at Crestwood Middle School. There will be carnival rides, giant inflatables, food vendors and food trucks along with music by Great Scott, games and of course, the entire evening wrapping up with fireworks. Additional parking and viewing will be available at the City Center, 4900 Breton St. SE. Note, no personal fireworks, sparklers or Chinese lanterns allowed at the public event.

 

Volunteers for the annual event are still needed. To volunteer or for more information about the July 4th Celebration, visit www.yourkprd.org or call 616-656-5270.

 

The Kentwood July 4th Celebration is part of the city’s 50th Anniversary celebration. The 50th Anniversary community-wide celebration is set for Aug. 11 and 12. For more information on the Kentwood 50th Anniversary, visit www.kentwood50.com.

Rockets red glare are allowed, just make sure you check your city ordinance

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , , , , ,

Get a front row ticket for the Grand Rapids fireworks at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
According to the National Council on Fireworks Safety, fireworks usage is expected to be at an all-time high this Fourth of July.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

 

A few years ago, Michigan lifted the ban on consumer fireworks. All fine and dandy (as long as you’re safe and follow the rules), but it certainly is not a free-for-all when it comes to lighting them up — the state legislature allows local municipalities to put in place ordinances on when such fireworks can be used.

 

Consumer fireworks are devices designed to produce visible effects by combustion such as firecrackers sky lanterns, bottle rockets, roman candles and certain aerial shells not exceeding 1.75 inches in diameter.

 

Low-impact and novelty fireworks that are ground-based or handled devices such as wheel fountains, smoke devices, ground spinners, and sparklers, are permitted.

 

But you’ll want to check with your local municipality before you shoot off a bottle rocket or light that roman candle. In both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, consumer firework usage is restricted to the day before, the day of and the day after a national holiday.

 

Even on permitted days, there are restrictions. In the city of Kentwood, fireworks are prohibited during the hours of 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. In Wyoming, fireworks are prohibited between the hours of 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. on the day before and the day after the holiday. On the day of the holiday, fireworks are prohibited from midnight to 8 a.m.

 

Also in Wyoming, the ordinance prohibits a person from discharging or displaying fireworks on another person’s property or within 15 feet of another person’s property without the property owner’s permission. You must get a permit to discharge fireworks in a public street or right-of-way, a public park, school property or any other place of public assembly.

 

“We do get a number of complaints during times when people are allowed to set off fireworks and if they are doing it during the allowed time legally, there is not much we can do,” said Capt. Kim Koster with the Wyoming Public Safety Department. Many residents do call the department with concerns over the noise from fireworks upsetting their pets and small children.

 

“If it is endangering public safety or personal property, we are going to investigate to make sure that it is being done safely,” Koster said.

 

According to the National Council on Fireworks Safety, consumer fireworks usage is expected to hit an all-time high this Fourth of July and safety remains a top priority. One of the biggest concerns the council has reported on is an increase in injuries among youth “who have used fireworks in videos unsafely to impress friends or get a laugh.” It is unlawful for anyone under 18 to discharge or display consumer fireworks in the State of Michigan.

 

Another factor is alcohol, said Ellen Bristol, director of internal communications and public relations at Metro Health. “There is a saying that nothing bad ever happens when it starts with a salad,” Bristol said, adding that many of the firework injuries Metro Health has taken care of over the years have had alcohol involved as well. To help with promoting fireworks safety, Metro Health recently put out a blog post on fireworks safety tips.

 

The bottomline, Koster said, is to think about where you are, what you are doing and just be “considerate of your neighbors.”

 

For details on the laws in Kentwood or Wyoming, visit the respective websites.