By Genine Hopkins
This year marks the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America. Yep, that is a long time. While the actual date of the colonial vote to approve the document itself and the resolution declaring the thirteen original colonies free of England, and while the final signatures on the Declaration of Independence took place in early August of 1776. John Adams even declared that the Second Day of July, 1776, would go down in history, July 4th became adopted as that was the day the wording of the Declaration was approved. So here we are some 250 years later, and in keeping with Mr. (and eventual President) Adams’ idea, the Fourth of July celebrations will be heartfelt and widely celebrated. Here are some ways you can join that celebration in the Clare County area:
July 3, 2026
If you would like to celebrate the 4th of July with some great deals, head out to Lake George. Each year the Lake George Boosters hold their annual Yard Sale, July 3rd, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and July 4th, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Held at 89 Bringold Ave., Lake George, Michigan.
Budd Lake Association will hold their annual Pontoon parade around Budd Lake from Saxton Park on July 3rd, at 7 p.m.
The TNT Demolition Derby will be held at the Clare County Fairgrounds in Harrison on July 3rd, starting at 7 p.m.. Come out and join the fun with kids 5 and under free and $15 for kids 5 years old and up. The traditional (and perhaps last!) July fireworks will follow the Derby.
For those living closer to the Gladwin County border, July 3rd will be Family Fun Day sponsored by the Springs Ministries from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the Springs Camp located at 1950 N. M-30 in Gladwin. Join in the free event with food, activities, music, and fireworks after dark!
July 4, 2026
The day begins with the Annual Harrison 4th of July Parade, that starts lining up at the Clare County Fairgrounds at 10:30 a.m.,with the parade starting at noon from the Fairgrounds through town to M-61 West (W. Main Street).
Didn’t have enough of the demolition derby in Harrison on July 3rd? Swing by Farwell Fairgrounds for all day fun that ends with fireworks viewing for the Liberty Mountain Fireworksafter dark. Gates open at 9 a.m. for the yard sales, food trucks, baked goods, and other vendors before the Bump n’ Run Demo Derby begins at 7 p.m.
Speaking of Liberty Mountain? Yep, it is holding its GRAND OPENING on July 4th! Tickets start at $15 with higher pricing for special VIP tickets,but WOW, what a day! Mark Farner’s American Band (you remember Farner as the lead singer of Grand Funk Railroad!) and special guest Dave Mead, along with what is billed as the a spectacular fireworks show bar none, so big, spectators at the Farwell Fairgrounds will have no problem enjoying them from afar! Gates open at 6 p.m. for this super cool music and fireworks extravaganza in celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday!
July 8, 2026
Why did we jump so far ahead? Because on this Wednesday, at 6 p.m., at the Veterans’ Freedom Park in Harrison, Michigan, the Michilimacinac Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Clare VFW Post #5738 will, as is being done across the county, provide a reading of the Declaration of Independence. This will harken back to the original colonial days when news was often read aloud in town squares, allowing all of use to truly consider those most beautiful words crafted predominantly by the furtherGovernor of Virginia, U.S. President, and Founding Father, Thomas Jefferson, that began the Great American Democratic Experiment.
