2020 Fireworks Still A Go in Some Small Michigan Communities

Family get togethers, Cook outs, Volleyball in the back yard, and Fireworks! All are traditional fourth of July activities we enjoy as America celebrates its Birthday. This year it will obviously be different.

Many communities' budgets are challenged due to the effect of Covid 19, not to mention the challenge and expense of social distancing and keeping large crowds safe and healthy. Many cities here in Michigan will not provide the normal fireworks shows on July 4th weekend. I’m sure this will be appreciated by the local fireworks stands and stores selling personal fireworks.

But not all hope is lost on taking in one of the bigger professional presentations, there are some smaller communities in Michigan that are going ahead with their fireworks display for 2020.

They have social distancing in place, many that also have music and a festival atmosphere, have cancelled that part of the event, and just doing the fireworks. As always, if you are going to one of these events, keep your social distance, wear a mask when you are around others, and wash your hands often.

Courtesy of MLive, here’s a listing of the fireworks shows we are aware of in Michigan for 2020. Portland is the one closest to the Lansing area.

Portland

The show must go on! The City of Portland has approved this year's 4th of July fireworks for July 3. It will be held at Bouge Flats Recreational Area and city officials say the venue provides lots of room for social distancing.

Frankenmuth

Michigan’s Little Bavaria will have fireworks on Friday, July 3, but the event, sponsored by the Frankenmuth Jaycees, will be different this year, said City Manager Bridget Smith. In order to allow for social distancing, the fireworks will be viewable in areas throughout the city. Other events typically associated with the fireworks, such as entertainment, inflatables and activities for children, will not take place, and vehicular access to Heritage Park, where the fireworks are launched, will be restricted.

Breckenridge

The Village of Breckenridge, located in Gratiot County, will celebrate the holiday with a car show, 8k run/walk and fireworks at dusk on Saturday, July 4, at Jaycee & Hoffmeyer Memoiral Park, according to a post on the Village of Breckenridge Facebook page.

Alpena

The city of Alpena will have its fireworks display just after dusk on July 4. Mayor Matt Waligora said the show is funded completely by donations and he’s confident spectators can practice social distancing while enjoying the show.

East Tawas

The Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in late May decided to cancel its annual Independence Day parade but to continue with its scheduled July 4 fireworks display.

Caseville

The Caseville Area Chamber of Commerce announced it will host a smaller fireworks show this year, to take place July 3 on the Wooded Island, rather than on the break wall. Related fundraising events have been canceled, but the chamber is accepting donations.

Mackinaw City

Officials with the Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau announced the Mackinaw City fireworks will go on. “Mackinaw CITY fireworks are NOT canceled. Mackinaw City looks forward to seeing everyone on the 4th of July,” reads a post on the Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau Facebook page.

St. Ignace

4th of July Fireworks and Parade will take place in St. Ignace this year! Please practice social distancing and be mindful of others during the festivities! All other 4th of July activities have been cancelled.

Sears

In the middle of the Mitten, a private show on Big Lake, near Crittenden Park in Sears, about 40 miles northwest of Mount Pleasant, is expected to light up the night sky. Find Fireworks on Big Lake on Facebook to learn more.

Au Gres

The 2020 Arenac Fireworks Festival is scheduled to take place July 4 with a fireworks display beginning at dusk at the mouth of the Au Gres River. Find Celebrating Arenac on Facebook to learn more.

Sault Ste. Marie

a Fourth of July fireworks display is still taking place in Sault Ste. Marie, The Sault News reports, but the Independence Day parade has been canceled.

Silver Lake

Silver Lake’s Thunder Over the Dunes fireworks event is scheduled to take place at 10 p.m. on July 4 at Silver Lake Sand Dunes State Park, 8960 W. Fox Road in Mears, according to the Silver Lake Sand Dunes - Hart Visitors Bureau website. Visit thinkdunes.com to learn more.