Much further back than you and I can remember, we have celebrated the Fourth of July with the most grandiose of fireworks displays. But why do we celebrate Independence Day by setting off all of these small explosions?
Well, because John Adams wanted us to. It is believed that he envisioned fireworks as part of the festivities before the Declaration of Independence was even signed.
John Adams penned a letter to his wife, Abigail, on July 3, 1776. He wrote that the occasion should be commemorated with
“Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illumination from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
The first commemorative Independence Day fireworks were set off on July 4, 1777.
Now that we’ve been given a little history lesson, let’s get to the good stuff! Check out this list of firework displays in and around Mid-Michigan this Fourth of July!
June 28, 2019
St. Clair Shores, Veterans Memorial Park – Dusk
Macomb County’s premiere firework events at Veterans Memorial Park. There’s a nominal entrance fee to this event: $2 in advance for residents or $3 at the gate per person. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Parks and Recreation Department, 20000 Stephens Road. In the event of rain, fireworks will be held June 29.
Howell, Howell High School | Michigan Challenge Balloonfest – Dusk
The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest event is one of the premier summertime activities in Michigan, offering entertainment for the entire family. This community event has activities planned for everyone – from skydiving and stunt kite shows to carnival rides, kid attractions, fireworks, and the always-popular balloon launches, fly-ins, and evening glow.
June 29, 2019
White Lake Township, White Lake – Dusk
Lake Orion, East + West sides of Lake Orion – Dusk
Rain date is June 30. For more info, visit lakeorionfireworks.org
Highland, Highland’s Red, White, and Blues Fireworks Festival – Dusk
Old Highland Middle School Location (N John St and M-59. One Block West of Milford Rd. Fireworks close out the 2019 Red White & Blues Fest which includes music, food vendors, kids, activities, and more. For more info, visit www.highlanddda.com
June 29 & 30, 2019
Oxford, Seymour Celebration – 10pm
Besides the nightly fireworks, the star of Seymour Celebration will be the carnival with over 20 rides and activities throughout the event, this includes the splash pad plus a music stage will even be featured from noon-10p on Saturday and there will be more live music on Friday night from 7p-10p.
July 3, 2019
Frankenmuth, Heritage Park – Dusk
Head to Heritage Park at dusk for Frankenmuth Volkslaufe Fireworks!
Chesaning, Showboat Park – Dusk
Festival at Showboat Park include Face Paint and Balloon Twist; Big Rockin’ Book Bus; Petting Zoo from 6-9pm; Food Vendors from 5-10pm. 5$ per vehicle and gates open at 4pm for more info visit here
Ortonville, Brandon High School | Fireworks and Foodtrucks – Dusk
Head to Brandon High School for the 2nd Annual event featuring food trucks and family entertainment, followed by the fireworks at dusk.
July 4, 2019
Clarkston, Independence Fest – Dusk
Head to Clarkston for this all-day, here will be a parade, craft show, games, music and so much more!
Clio, Family Fun Day – Dusk
Beginning at 2pm there will be concession stands, historic and military displays, pet contests, pie eating contests and more!
Corunna, McCurdy Park | Corunna 4th of July Celebration – Dusk
Fenton, Fenton Freedom Festival – 10pm
Festivities will start at 10am, including a 5k run/walk, the infamous Freedom Festival Parade and finish with a spectacular fireworks display!
Flint, Riverbank Park | Flint Water Festival – Dusk
The 4th Annual Flint Water Festival happens from 5pm until 9pm tonight! There will be a BBQ, games, inflatables, prizes and more! Free admission, however, water donations are accepted.
Holly, Lakeside Memorial Park – 10pm
Lapeer, Rolland-Warner Middle School – 9:45pm
North Branch, North Branch Days – Dusk
Shot from the football field of North Branch High School the event includes many events including Grand Parade at 11AM on the 4th; Chicken Dinner, Petting Zoo, Kids Games, horseshoe tournament, inflatables, music, and fireworks.
Saginaw – 10:15pm
Ojibway Island is home to the Saginaw Area Fireworks at 10:15pm! The show may be seen from anywhere along the Saginaw River, with the best viewing spots being the parking lot of Danaher Motion/Treasure Island and the Court Street Bridge.
Montrose, Barber Park – Dusk
Midland – Dusk
Viewable from outside of Dow Diamond
Port Austin – Dusk
Viewable from most anywhere in downtown Port Austin
July 4-6, 2019
Bay City, Bay City Fireworks Festival – 10:12pm
Everyone should at least experience the Bay City Fireworks Festival at least once! A three-day festival with carnival rides, craft shows, military displays and more, you won’t be disappointed. If you have the opportunity, head to Wenonah Park and check them out this year. Bay City fireworks will be on display July 4th & 5th with 15-minute shows and the grand finally July 6th with a 36-minute spectacular.
July 5, 2019
Caseville – Dusk
Viewable from most anywhere in downtown Caseville, usually shot from the end of the pier.
July 6, 2019
Otter Lake – Dusk
Fireworks will be shot off from barge in the middle of lake! Live music from the Dan Benjamin Band and Rachelle Rae and the Banned.
Whitemore Lake – 10pm
Viewing area at Northfield Community Park between the Post Office & 8 Mile Road
