By Gari Voss
The 4th of July 2024 falls on a Thursday. Several communities are celebrating Independence Day with extra activities on days other than the 4th. In addition, popup fireworks will be happening. Several things to remember:
It has been hot across Allegan County and fires can start easily.
Fireworks are DANGEROUS. Take precautions when lighting them.
Do not let children play with ignited fireworks or sparklers.
Make sure fireworks are legal in the area.
Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy.
Light fireworks one at a time, then move away quickly.
Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Be sensitive to animals in the area. Dogs, cats, horses, etc. can become very agitated by the sounds and lights.
Opportunities to attend larger firework displays across Allegan County can be found in even our smaller communities. Have a safe Independence Day celebration!
City of Allegan: Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Celebrate this patriotic community festival featuring food, live music, activities, and fireworks on the 3rd of July.
Allegan’s Jubilee Independence Celebration begins at
5:00pm: a star-spangled parade at 5:30pm.
6:00pm begins live music from Strum, Dumb, and Dumber, Redbelly, and The NoBodies. Food vendors will be available.
At 10:15pm, the festivities conclude with the fireworks show over the Kalamazoo River.
Lake Doster, Plainwell: Thursday, July 4, 2024
Enjoy a day celebrating America’s independence at Lake Doster!
9 am – A 3K/5K run/walk/stroll.
Noon – bike parade begins at Horseshoe Court and ends at the beach. Do not pass the fire trucks and stay in the right lane.
12:30-3:30pm – A beach party will be followed by canoe races to begin at 1:30 p.m.
Lake Doster, Plainwell: Friday, July 5, 2024, 10pm
The Beach will be closed to provide a Safety Zone. Fireworks will be set up in the afternoon. Midlakes will remain open until the display begins after dark.
Yellow tape will be set up to define the Safety Zone, Parking, and areas for setting up chairs will be along Midlakes outside the Safety Zone. A firetruck will be on hand.
Hopkins Sandy Pines 4th of July Parade: Thursday, July 4, 2024
8:30am – the 4th of July parade participants arrive at the Recreation Station. Residents are encouraged to decorate their golf carts, floats and bicycles for judging starting at 9 a.m.
9:30 am the Parade will begin at the Recreation Station Water Park and will end at the local softball field.
Sandy Pines Holiday Tournaments: July 4-7, 2024
Check in at https://sandypines.com/venue/sandy-pines/ for a listing of games for all ages.
Hopkins Hometown 4th of July Celebration: Thursday, July 4, 2024
Hopkins’ annual Hometown 4th of July celebration begins.
8:30am with the Freedom Run for the whole family hosted by the Hopkins Cross Country Program.
8-10am Pancake Breakfast at Hopkins Community Church. Check the Hopkins Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/hopkinshometowncelebrations/ for the many event that will
Dusk – the day concludes with Fireworks.
Saugatuck: Thursday, July 4, 2024
11am – Join the armed forces, bands, and floats as they march down Butler St. in downtown Saugatuck.
10:30am-1pm enjoy the car show on Water St. by Wicks Park.
Saugatuck: Friday, July 5, 2024
8-11pm – DJ House Shoes is featured at Coghlin Park.
Dusk – Fireworks: Enjoy Fireworks from anywhere in Saugatuck or Douglas. Bring a blanket or a chair and find a spot at one of the great parks: Cook Park, Coghlin Park, Wade’s Bayou, and Wick’s Park.
Find parking and a shuttle at the Saugatuck High School on Elizabeth Street. Call the Interurban Shuttle for more information on using this service: 269-857-1418.
South Haven Light Up the Lake: Wed., July 3, 2024
10:15pm – Riverfront Park, 345 Water St, North & South Beaches in South Haven, MI.
Claim a spot along the beach or lakeshore prior to dusk when fireworks will be set off the North Pier. View the show from Riverfront Park or North & South Beaches and turn up your radios to COSY 103.7 FM. A 3-hour pre-show broadcast begins at 7:00 pm on COSY.
Watch a livestream of the fireworks from the comfort of your home! Link: https://www.southhavenmi.com/south-beach-live-cam
Dorr Weekend: Tues., July 2 – Sat., July 6, 2024
Tues., July 3rd – 6th – Carnival, Dorr So. Park
Wed., July 3rd – Dorr Township Park activities. 9:30pm: – Freedom 5K Run
Thurs., July 4th – 10am – Dorr Parade
Thurs., July 4th – Noon – Luke Lenhart on stage in South Park
After parade – Ox & Chicken Roast
5-6pm: Our Rock
8pm: Deer Field Run
Fri., July 5th: 5pm – Jimmy & the Mortals
9:30pm: Movie in the Park
Sat., July 6th:
9am – Craft Show & Cruise In
10am – Pickle Ball Tournament
Noon – BINGO
10:30pm – Fireworks
Battle Creek Hot Air Balloon Field of Flight & Air Show: Wed., July 3 – Sun., July 7, 2024
The summer skies fill with majestic, colorful balloons and the Air Shows featuring aerial displays from the Thunderbirds Demonstration Squadron, Golden Knights, F/A-18F Super Hornet Rhino Demo Team, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demo Team, F-35C Lightning II Demo Team (Two-Ship), the “Ace Maker Airshows” featuring Greg Colyer in the Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star plus other flight teams and skydivers. On the ground will be carnival rides, food vendors, motorcycle stunts, circus acts, and music, plus DreamBIG, LLC’s F/A-18 TOP GUN Cockpit Experience & Photographs.
Thurs., July 4th & Sat., July 6th, 10:30pm – Fireworks Galore by ACE PYRO
For schedule details, go to https://fieldofflight.com/attractions/air-show/.
