For more than 30 years, the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce has helped Niles celebrate America’s birthday with its annual fireworks display at the Apple Festival Fairgrounds.

While fireworks remain the star attraction, this year’s show features several different types of family-friendly fun beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, July 1.

Chamber President Tyanna Weller said live music, bounces houses, face painting and food vendors would keep people entertained until controlled explosions light up the sky beginning at dusk (approximately 9:30 p.m.).

New this year is a youth parade beginning at 8:30 p.m. Weller said the intent is to have children or parents decorate their bicycles, strollers and wagons in red, white and blue to set the mood for the patriotic celebration. Parents are also encouraged to dress up themselves and their children in America’s colors.

“As a kid, I remember decorating my bike and wanting to find a parade to march around in,” Weller said. “Everyone loves parades, so we thought this would be a fun way to participate and to add even more family fun.”

The parade route will be contained to the grassy area of the Apple Festival Fairgrounds off North 17th Street. No registration is required, but Weller said organizers could use volunteers to help line up participants in the parade.

Live music will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on a stage near the Apple Festival building beginning with a local youth group from 6 to 7 p.m.; Pastor Jeff Whittaker, of Michiana Christian Embassy, and a choir from 7 to 8 p.m.; and a hip hop dance/singing performance from Bad Entertainment, of Elkhart, from 8 to 8:30 p.m.

Colby Event Services will provide bounce houses and mobile laser tag.

Martin’s Super Market will sell hot dogs and water and share the profits with the chamber. Food vendors will also be selling elephant ears and other items, including pulled pork.

The Niles Young Leaders organization will sell glow sticks.

Although the event is free, the chamber is suggesting a $5 donation to help pay for the event, which costs approximately $10,000. Those who donate $5 will get a Niles heart-shaped sticker.

Weller said the fireworks show would be comparable to past years and last between 15 and 20 minutes.

Weller thanked chamber members for helping make this event, which is attended by between 5,000 and 7,000 people each year, a reality.

Also, Weller said hosting the event on Friday, July 1, may increase attendance.

“We found by being early we are one of the first in the area,” she said. “We get people from all over, including South Bend and Mishawaka, who want to see multiple shows. We also get people that might be leaving for the weekend.”