Parade, fireworks highlight area 4th celebration

Wed, Jul 2, 2008    to del.icio.us

Fireworks and a parade will highlight Fourth of July activities in the Tri-Cities on Friday. The annual Patriot's Day Run has been moved to Saturday.

The annual Grand Haven Area Jaycees fireworks display will take place following the Musical Fountain show that begins at 10:10 p.m.

David Ireland, Jaycees chairman for the fireworks show, said he expects "a great turnout" because of the show being on a Friday night.

The fireworks show, which will cost $25,000 this year, is one of the biggest fundraisers for the Jaycees.

"People don't realize how much the show costs," Ireland said.

Jaycee members will be strolling through the crowd selling necklaces and accepting donations to help defray the costs. Contributions can also be made to the Grand Haven Area Jaycees at P.O. Box 413, Grand Haven, MI 49417.

In Ferrysburg, Russell Flahive will serve as grand marshal of Friday's Fourth of July parade set for 10:30 a.m. in Ferrysburg. The Ferrysburg native currently serves in the U.S. Army as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot.

A community breakfast with Mayor Jeffrey Stille will be held prior to the parade. The breakfast will take place at the former Ferrysburg Elementary School, 17290 Roosevelt Road, from 8-10 a.m. This is a free event sponsored by the Ferrysburg City Council. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Parking is at the Walden Green lot.

Parade participants will begin lining up at 10 a.m. at the former Ferrysburg Elementary School. The parade will start at 10:30 a.m. and will move east along Ridge Avenue to Pine Street, then proceed south on Pine Street to Fourth Street. Once the parade reaches Fourth Street, the progression will move onto the sidewalk and continue to William Ferry Park.

Anyone may walk, ride their bike or nonmotorized scooter, or pull a wagon in the parade. A Harbor Transit trolley will also be available for those who would like a ride in the parade.

Ridge Avenue, from 174th Avenue to Pine Street; and Pine Street to Third Street will be closed to traffic during the parade.

Post-parade festivities at William Ferry Park will include a flag-raising ceremony, food, games and prizes.

In the event of severe weather, listen to radio station WGHN (92.1 FM) for information.

The annual Patriot's Day Run will be held on Saturday this year, marking the first time in nine years that the event hasn't been held on July 4. The 5K race begins at 8:30 a.m. at Grand Haven High School.

For more information about the run, call Tom Laughlin at 846-5518.