Fireworks displays set to light up Michiana

MICHIANA — “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

So wrote John Adams in a letter to his wife, Abigail, on July 3, 1776.

According to the National Parks Service, the day Adams referred to was actually July 2—the day on which the Second Continental Congress resolved to separate from Britain.

However, it was not until July 4 that the Declaration of Independence was adopted. Thus, the “Fourth of July” became synonymous with “Independence Day.”

Ever since, Americans have been celebrating in the way that Adams imagined, and here are some of the events that will be taking place in Michiana this year.

 

June 29

Sister Lakes, MI will hold its Bigfoot 4th of July Parade on June 29. Line-up will be at the Sister Lakes Lions Park at 4 p.m., and the parade will begin at 5 p.m. Visit www.sisterlakesmi.com for more information. The Sister Lakes Lions Fireworks Display will take place at dusk at the grounds of the Lions Clubhouse, 66991 95th Ave., Dowagiac.

South Bend, IN will have a fireworks display as a part of the 4H Fair at dusk at the Fairgrounds, 5117 Ironwood Rd., South Bend. Call (574) 291-4870 or visit www.4hfair.com for more information.

 

July 3

Baroda, MI will have its fireworks display at dusk at the Baroda American Legion Post 345, 9214 1st St., Baroda.

Dowagiac, MI will have its fireworks display at dusk at Russom Park, 28776 Yaw St., Dowagiac.

New Buffalo, MI will have its fireworks display at dusk at New Buffalo Beach, 100 Marquette Dr., New Buffalo. The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra will present a free beach concert, sponsored by the Pokagon Fund, at 8:30 p.m. at Lions Pavilion Park. Doors open at 6 p.m. The concert will conclude with a huge finale with the fireworks display to accompany the Symphony. For more information, contact the Symphony at (269) 982-4030 or visit www.smso.org.

Niles, MI will have an evening of family fun starting at 6 p.m. at the Four Flags Area Apple Festival Fairgrounds, 1740 Lake Street, Niles. Activities will include live music, kiddie bounce houses, vendors, craft projects for children and games. Fireworks will take place at dusk.

 

July 4

Cassopolis will have its fireworks display at 10:15 p.m. at Diamond Lake, Shore Acres Rd., Cassopolis.

Eau Claire will have its fireworks display at 10 p.m. as a part of the Cherry Festival at Veterans Park, at the corner of Main St. and Second St., Eau Claire.

Lakeside, MI will have a parade starting at 12 p.m. at the lake end of Pier St. Marchers should just show up, and they will be welcomed to be a part of the parade.  All ages are welcome this year. Viewing will take place on Pier St. A community sing of patriotic songs will be held in the park following the parade. For more information, visit www.thelakesideassociation.org.

Mishawaka, IN will have its fireworks display at dusk at Robert C. Beutter Park, 400 N. Spring St., Mishawaka.

St. Joseph, MI will have its fireworks display at dusk, with fireworks being shot off the North Pier in St. Joseph. The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra will present a concert at Shadowland Pavilion at 9 pm on July 4. The concert will conclude with a huge finale with the fireworks display to accompany the Symphony. Tickets to the concert start at $15.  Doors open at 6 p.m. For more information, contact the Symphony at 269-982-4030 or visit www.smso.org.

The South Bend Silverhawks (South Bend, IN) will have a fireworks display at dusk after the game, weather permitting.  Four Winds Field, 501 W. South St., South Bend. Call (574) 235-9988 or visit www.southbend.silverhawks.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t550 for more information.