A Fourth of July blast
Mon, Jul 6, 2009 
to del.icio.us
BY ABBEY MOORE
news@grandhaventribune.com
A patriotic parade made its way down Pine Street in Ferrysburg and fireworks lit up the sky in Grand Haven with an array of colors during Saturday's Fourth of July festivities.
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To start off the day, a mayor's breakfast was held at the former Ferrysburg Elementary School, compliments of the city of Ferrysburg. Mayor Jeff Stille helped serve homemade pancakes and bacon at the breakfast while making conversation with those in line.
"It's nice to have people get out and enjoy the breakfast and see the parade," he said. "It makes it more of an event. We are looking to make it more of a full day event in the future."
To see videos of the Ferrysburg parade and fireworks in Grand Haven, click here: http://www.grandhaventribune.com/liveique/b_vid_front.bsp
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The parade kicked off at 10:30 a.m. and lasted a little over an hour. Kids were delighted as Charlie the clown made balloon animals and candy was tossed from the Leppink's Food Center grocery carts.
Ann Calderon and her family traveled all the way from Fox Point, Wis. to experience the Fourth of July activities.
"It was our first time over here and we just love it," she said. "We were visiting family in Ohio and thought that if we are this close, we might as well stop by Grand Haven and the surrounding cities to enjoy the holiday."
Calderon and her three kids waved their small American flags as the parade made its way past them.
Also sharing the patriotic spirit was Therese Buck, chair of the Parade Committee. She was very pleased with the attendance at the breakfast and the parade, which she said was much higher than last year. She has helped organize the parade for the past four years.
"It's been fun," she said. "It's just coming together for a big community. It's our main event of the year and it brings everybody together."
After the parade, people were invited to a picnic at William Ferry Park for free lunch provided by Leppink's, live music and games for the kids.
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However, the fun and patriotic spirit did not end after the parade. As the overcast skies melted away, people made their way to the waterfront in Grand Haven for the Musical Fountain and firework display.
The fireworks, which lasted 15-20 minutes, filled the sky as patriotic music played in celebration America's birthday. When the final firework shot through the sky, viewers on Washington Avenue stood to applaud and cheer.
"I love coming back home to Grand Haven for things like this," said Michigan State junior Kristen Scott after the last firework faded from view. "The fireworks are always one of a kind and the atmosphere is incomparable to any other city."
Fireworks Chairperson Nicole Rant of the Grand Haven Area Jaycees was also pleased with Saturday night's firework display and the large turnout that she saw while standing on Dewey Hill.
"I just think that it was another great year and our weather turned out awesome," she said. "We just want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting us."
Contributions for the display can still be sent to the Grand Haven Area Jaycees at P.O. Box 413, Grand Haven MI 49417.
