By Gari Voss
The 4th of July 2023 falls on a Tuesday. Several communities are taking advantage of the long weekend to enjoy celebrating the independence of the American colonies from England with extra activities. In addition, popup fireworks will be happening. Several things to remember:
- Allegan County is still at a high level for fire.
- 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.
There are many opportunities to go to larger firework displays across Allegan County. Have a safe Independence Day celebration!
City of Allegan: Monday, July 3, 2023
Celebrate the birth of the country with this patriotic community festival featuring food, live music, activities, and fireworks on the 3rd of July. Allegan’s Jubilee Independence Celebration begins at 5:30pm along the Riverfront with a star-spangled parade, followed by live music from Strum, Dumb, and Dumber and the 338th Army Band, and food vendors at 6:00pm. The festivities conclude with a fireworks show over the Kalamazoo River at 10:15pm.
Lake Doster, Plainwell: Sunday, July 2, 2023
Stop by Lake Doster in Plainwell on July 2nd! The Beach will be closed at 2:00PM to provide a Safety Zone. Fireworks will be set up in the afternoon. Midlakes will remain open until the display begins after dark, usually about 10:00 PM.
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.
Lake Doster, Plainwell: Tuesday, July 4, 2023
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.
12:30-3:30pm – A beach party will follow, with canoe races to begin at 1:30 p.m.
Hopkins Sandy Pines 4th of July Parade: Tuesday, July 4, 2023
9:30am – 4th of July parade. Residents are encouraged to decorate their golf carts, floats and bicycles for judging starting at 9 a.m. The parade is scheduled to start at the Recreation Station Water Park and will end at the local softball field. Those interested in participating are asked to arrive at the Recreation Station at 8:30 a.m.
Hopkins Hometown 4th of July Celebration: Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Head over to Hopkins High School and Middle School for Hopkins’ annual Hometown 4th of July celebration. Fireworks are expected to begin at dusk.
Parade in Saugatuck: Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Noon – Join the armed forces, bands, and floats as they march down Butler Street.
The parade is in downtown Saugatuck.
Fireworks in Saugatuck: Tuesday, July 4 , 2023
Cook Park, Coghlin Park, Wade’s Bayou, and Wick’s Park. Bring a chair or a blanket and find a spot at one of the great parks. Fireworks begin at sundown.
8-11pm – DJ House Shoes is featured at Coghlin Park.
Find parking and a shuttle at the Saugatuck High School on Elizabeth Street. When that parking fills, the Saugatuck Christian Reformed Church on Old Allegan Road will be used for the Interurban Shuttle. Call the Interurban Shuttle for more information on using this service: 269-857-1418
South Haven Light Up the Lake: Mon, July 3, 2023
10:30pm – Riverfront Park, 345 Water St, South Haven, MI 49090
South Haven’s Light Up the Lake fireworks show is July 3rd, 2023! 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! The entire fireworks display will be coordinated with music on 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! Click this link: https://www.southhaven.org/webcam
Dorr Weekend: Fri., June 30 – Tues., July 4, 2023
Fri., June 30th – Carnival, Dorr So. Park
Sat., July 1st – Dorr Township Park 8am: – Freedom 5K Run; 10am-3pm: Craft Show.
7pm – Truck & Tractor Pull, 2254 144th Ave.
Sun., July 2nd – Dorr, So. Park – 10am: Service; 11am: Patriot & Pin Ups Car Show
Mon., July 3rd – Dorr Township Park – 9am-Noon: Pickle Ball; 2-6pm: Bingo; 4pm: Street Food; 4-6pm: Nathan Walton & the Remedy; 6pm: Disc Golf Tournament
Dorr So. Park – 4pm: Corn Hole Tournament. 5-8pm: Jimmy & the Mortals; 10pm: Movie in South Park
Tues., July 4th – Dorr Township – 10:30am: “one of the largest 4th of July parades around” on Main Street. Participants register at the Township office.
Dorr So. Park – Noon-1:30pm: Luke Lenhart Band; Noon-4pm: Superhero Meet & Greet; Noon: Ox Roast & Chicken BBQ; 8-9:30pm: Deer Field Run; Dusk: Firework Display by Big Wick.
Battle Creek Hot Air Balloon Field of Flight & Air Show: Thurs., June 29 – Tues., July 4, 2023
The summer skies fill with majestic, colorful balloons and the Air Show features aerial displays from the US Air Force F-22 Fighter Jets Demonstration Team plus other flight teams and skydivers. On the ground will be carnival rides, food vendors, motorcycle stunts, circus acts, and music.
10:30pm – July 1st and 4th – Fireworks
For schedule details, go to https://fieldofflight.com/.