Fourth of July Looks Different this Year 2020
In a typical year, local towns would be in the final stages of Independence Day preparation now. Parade routes would be confirmed, fireworks delivered, and barbecue propane tanks restocked. But as we all know, 2020 is anything but typical.
Given the realities of 2020 – we’re in the midst of a pandemic and our nation is grappling with racial inequities – some families may choose to celebrate the 4th at home or not celebrate at all. However you choose to spend your time, we wish you safety and health over the long holiday weekend.
Making Family Plans for the Long Weekend
Whether you are celebrating the holiday or just looking forward to some family time during the long weekend, we compiled over 20 activities for the first weekend of July.
Many local attractions have reopened their doors and our amazing Michigan summer weather is ramping up with some beautiful days ahead for warm-weather fun.
And for those still searching for fireworks: there are still a few spots in Michigan hosting traditional Independence Day fare.
4th of July FIREWORKS
What is the Status of Lansing Fireworks?
A little bit of travel is required if you’re wanting to see public fireworks for 2020.
While Lansing fireworks and parades were canceled this year due to COVID, some locations around the state are still forging ahead with holiday events.
Where you can watch fireworks within an hour drive
July 3, 2020
Kalamazoo Speedway
7656 Ravine Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
269-692-2423
Event Intel: The Kalamazoo Speedway will have fireworks following the 7:30 PM season opener. Gates open at 3:30 PM.
FireRock Fireworks
7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Caledonia, Michigan 49316
» 5pm-10:30pm. Reserve a table on the patio for a perfect view of the fireworks, or you can enjoy the buffet indoors then find a spot on the lawn to listen to the live music and watch the fireworks display after your meal
Green Lake Boat Parade & Fireworks
Green Lake, Reus Beach, Caledonia, MI 49316
» Decorate your boat patriotically (prize for best decorated) and cruise around the entire lake before the fireworks. Fireworks are shot off from the Reus beach in the big lake (NW corner) at dark.
Fireworks @ Campau/Kettle Lake
Campau Lake, 8900 66th Street, Alto, Michigan 49302
» Let’s celebrate FREEDOM! Our annual fireworks show is ON for 2020. Donations welcome.
July 4, 2020
Springfield Fireworks Event – Captain Oscar Brady American Legion – Michigan Post 298
228 N 20 St, Springfield, MI 49015
Event Intel: Captain Oscar Brady American Legion Post 298 is having its 4th Annual 4th of July Community Event. Kids bean bag toss & water balloon games and adult corn hole games. Music in the pavilion; kids 12 & under receive 1 hot dog, a bag of chips, and a drink. Food will be for sale from the JB Whiskey Old Style Grill Food Cart on site. Fireworks begin at dusk.
Village of Constantine – Fibre Converters Park (Constantine Little League)
128 Meadow Ln, Constantine, MI 49042
Event Intel: While the parade is canceled this year, the Village of Constantine is still hosting fireworks at dark on July 4, from Fibre Converters Park.
Dorr’s 4th of July Celebration: Parade & Fireworks
1842-1846 142nd Ave, Dorr, MI 49323
» 10:30 am -Dusk. 4th of July Parade at 10:30, Fly-over, food booths, carnival rides, ox roast, tractor pull, live music, fireworks at dusk.
Camp Lake Association Fireworks and Boat Parade
Camp Lake Association, 11895 Stauffer Drive, Sparta, Michigan 49345
» 2 pm boat parade and 10:45 pm fireworks
Caledonia Township Fireworks
9757 Duncan Lake Ave SE, Caledonia, MI 49316
» The Fireworks will be at dusk and can be viewed from Duncan Lake Middle School, CalPlex or Holy Family Catholic Church. The open fields and vastness of these locations also will allow for spacing and distancing of guests.
Allendale 4th of July Fireworks
10690 Learning Lane, Allendale, MI 49401
» All APS K-8 campus parking lots will be available and open at 8 pm. Enjoy the show from your vehicle or use the ample open space to socially distance while we light up the night sky in celebration of Independence Day!
Silver Lake Fireworks: Thunder over the Dunes
Silver Lake, MI 49436
» Enjoy the Fireworks in Silver Lake on the 4th of July. Come hear the thunder over the Dunes and see this unique display. Watch from the Dunes and around the lake.
July 5, 2020
Kalamazoo Speedway
7656 Ravine Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
269-692-2423
Fireworks Intel: The Kalamazoo Speedway will have fireworks following the 6:00 pm race. Gates open at 1:00 pm
More cities to watch fireworks in Michigan
Before heading out to these locations it’s important to check with the city or location as details can change rapidly due to Covid-19.
July 3, 2020
Frankenmuth
July 4, 2020
Alpena
East Tawas
Mackinaw City
St. Ignace
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Area attractions are reopening their doors, offering a wide variety of family fun during the Fourth of July weekend. Here are 20+ suggestions for spending time with loved ones during the holiday weekend:
Go Play Outside
Splash your toes at Crego park or other fun hiking spots.
Challenge each other to a game of HORSE at a local park’s basketball court.
Beat the heat at Hawk Island (opening for 2o20 as of July 4th) splash pad.
Pack the sunscreen and hit the beach.
Go camping.
Tour a Michigan lake or river in a kayak or canoe.
[fusion_highlight color=”” text_color=”” rounded=”no” class=”” id=””]Explore Local Cuisine[/fusion_highlight]
Cool off with some rollup ice cream from Unicha or try another favorite shop.
Pick up some pastries and fresh flowers a local Farmers Market.
Go fruit picking (many farms also offer amazing, already-picked produce, if picking isn’t your thing).
Put that summer fruit to good use with a red, white and blue cake.
Go to M Street Baking Co. in Howell or a fun road trip to KZOO and grab a Monster Milkshake from Cherri’s Chocol’art.
Visit Animals
Feed the giraffes and visit Raj the snow leopard at Binder Park Zoo or Boulder Ridge.
See how many life-sized brick animals you can find at John Ball Zoo (hint: there are forty!).
Visit the waterfowl and rescued owls at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary.
Meet the Jaali, the baby rhino at Potter Park Zoo.
Take a safari ride at Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park.
Alligator fan? Try a Twilight Tour at Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary and visit them at night.
Other Attractions to Try
Ride the bumper boats at Craig’s Cruisers in Grand Rapids.
Play mini-golf at Fun Thyme in West Lansing.
Play ball! The Kalamazoo Growlers have games on both July 3 and July 4.
Go to a drive-in and catch a movie under the stars.