Plan your 4th of July weekend: Here's a look at Washtenaw County fireworks displays, parades
If you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit, there’s plenty to do this weekend without going far from home, including traditional fireworks displays, community parades and festivals.
Get ready for fireworks displays.
File photo | AnnArbor.com
FIREWORKS DISPLAYS
Friday and Saturday
• Ypsilanti Township: Lakeshore Apartments: 2117 Lakeview Drive, Ypsilanti Township. Friday and Saturday, at 10:15 p.m. The fireworks celebration will be a little more private this year than in the past, meaning those hoping to catch the show need to park closer - the show won’t be visible from township parks. People should park on Bridge Road. Cost is $5 per car. (For other events, see listing below.)
Saturday
• Manchester: at dusk, Carr Park, 600 W. Main St., Manchester. Admission: Donations appreciated.
• Dexter Township: Hudson Mills MetroPark, 8801 North Territorial Road. “Big Pinky and the Joint Effort Band” will perform at the Activity Center from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., with a break for fireworks at 10 p.m. Plan to arrive at least two hours early for the fireworks, due to crowd conditions. Admission: Daily or annual vehicle entry permit ($5/$25).
Sunday
• Whitmore Lake: at dusk, Whitmore Lake. Admission: Free. (For other events, see listing below.)
PARADES & COMMUNITY EVENTS
• 20th annual Ann Arbor Fourth of July Parade, sponsored by the Ann Arbor Jaycees, 11 a.m., Sunday. Parade begins on State, Liberty, Main, and William Streets in Downtown Ann Arbor. Prizes will be awarded to the floats, groups and bikes with most “community spirit.” This year’s Grand Marshalls are Vancouver Olympic ice dancing Silver medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White. There’s also a Patriotic Bike Decoration Contest for kids age 12 & under who want to ride in the parade.
• Whitmore Lake - Whitmore Lake comes alive on the Fourth of July, starting with the Thunder Road Car Show & Cruise. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at Captain Joe's restaurant, followed by a scenic cruise through town and the famous Independence Day Parade, “The Eagle Has Landed,” with local bands, merchants, floats, tractors and more. The ski show starts at 7 p.m., followed by the Parade of Lights, where thousands gather on the lakefront to see decorated boats float by in their glory. The fireworks display begins after dusk.
• 81st Annual Ypsilanti Independence Parade, sponsored by American Legion Post 282 & Ypsilanti Jaycees. 11 a.m. Saturday. Starts on Cross Street at Wallace, and travels down Cross to Rice Street in Depot Town. Parade Marshal is the distinguished veteran, Chuck Kettles.
• Lakeshore Festival, Lakeshore Apartments, 2117 Lakeview Drive, Ypsilanti Township. 5 p.m. -midnight, Thursday; 2 p.m.-midnight, Friday; 2-11 p.m. Saturday; 2-9 p.m. Sunday. Carnival rides, music, petting zoo, circus performances. For a complete list of events, visit www.lakeshorecelebration.com/Events. Parking is on Bridge road, $5/car.
• 4th of July Carnival at Sunrise Senior Living, 1901 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor. Noon - 3 p.m., Friday. The residents of Sunrise at North Ann Arbor are holding a carnival, free for anyone who wants to come celebrate the holiday with residents at Sunrise. The carnival will have games, prizes, food, and entertainment. For information, call 734-741-9500
Comments
Steve
Wed, Jul 6, 2011 : 1:09 a.m.
The Ann Arbor parade was actually at 10:00am, not 11:00am. We followed the timing listed here and missed the parade.
Ann Dwyer
Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 12:21 a.m.
The Hudson Mills fireworks are actually on SUNDAY, July 3!
Ed Verhamme
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 12:11 p.m.
I agree that annarbor.com should provide more than a "calendar of events" as they have for the Fourth. Sure there's alot going on in the area, but thousands and thousands of people are looking for more detail than what's provided here. Don't forget that annarbor.com is not a daily newspaper. It is a group of bloggers and reporters that publish a colletion of stories in print twice a week. It just a different format that what the community is accustomed to seeing.
ypsi grl
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 11:29 a.m.
Shame on LakeShore apts. out of the last 3 years they've managed to screw up 2 years of fireworks. misleading signs EVERYWHERE. and they know that family's in Ypsi look forward to bbqs, fun on the lake, and the annual fireworks. Now it seems that Lakeshore is just trying to bring in money for themselves and really dose'nt care anymore about the community. again, SHAME ON LAKESHORE APTS.
karens
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 11:06 a.m.
The fireworks for Lakeshore is very misleading. Lot of people thought they were going to be like last year and made plans for the night. Now come to find out they are going to be a little more private. They should have spoken about this alot sooner not the day of the event.
DetroitJoe
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 9:31 a.m.
What areas of Whitmore Lake are open to the public to watch the ski show or parade of lights? I know there are lots of homes and private clubs around the water...just curious where to go.
Donald
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 8:58 a.m.
Could we note for next year that this information would be really useful a week earlier?
Mooney
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 7:34 a.m.
Please note that the Whitmore Lake Water Ski Club show is scheduled for 4:00 pm on July 4th. During July, our 7:00 pm shows are every Thursday. Our theme this year is Las Vegas. Best bet is to bring a blanket or lawn chair for viewing.