With the Fourth of July approaching, many communities around metro Detroit are hosting fireworks celebrations.

By Robin Ruehlen
C & G Staff Writer

Fireworks enthusiasts who didn’t make it to the Detroit riverfront for the Target Fireworks in June don’t have to resort to backyard sparklers to get their fix.          

With the Fourth of July approaching, many communities around metro Detroit are hosting fireworks celebrations both before and after the holiday, along with family events that are free and open to the public.

ROCHESTER HILLS
On July 1, the Rochester Hills Festival of the Hills begins at 6 p.m. at Borden Park, at Hamlin and John R Road. The free event includes performances by Guy Louis and the Chautauqua Express and Steve King and the Dittilies. The fireworks begin at 10 p.m.

BIRMINGHAM
On July 3, the Lincoln Hills Golf Course, 2666 W. 14 Mile in Birmingham, will host the Birmingham Fireworks Show, which is free and open to the public.

Birmingham Mayor Stuart Sherman said he encourages everyone to bring family and friends to the city’s show.

“Fireworks are fun for the whole family, and it’s a great way to spend the time together with your family, friends and neighbors,” Sherman said.

The show consists of more than 1,300 shots ranging in size and color, and ends with a grand finale involving more than 500 shots. The golf course gates open at 7 p.m., and the show begins at dusk. In case of rain, the event will be moved to July 5.

OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS
The Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission will celebrate with fireworks and activities at Addison Oaks County Park, 1480 W. Romeo Road, in Leonard, on July 3; and at Groveland Oaks County Park, 14555 Dixie Highway, in Holly, on July 4.

Parks Supervisor Boyd Brokenshaw said pre-fireworks festivities include arts and crafts, sports, games and live entertainment.

“We’ll also have face painting, clowns, pony rides and magicians, as well as the Puppet Mobile and puppet-making workshop, inflatable obstacle course, mazes, bouncers, slides and a dunk tank,” he said.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to come out and enjoy the day, and then stay for fireworks in the evening.” 

Fireworks over the lake start shortly after dusk at both locations. The fireworks vehicle entry fee is $10 per vehicle after 5 p.m., or free with a 2009 Oakland County Parks Annual Vehicle Permit, which can be purchased at both parks for $30 for Oakland County residents, or $46 for non-residents.

ROYAL OAK
In Royal Oak, the Red Run Golf Club, 2036 Rochester Road, will hold its fireworks at dusk on July 3, with a rain date of July 4. The show is private, but the fireworks are visible from the surrounding neighborhoods.

CLAWSON
On July 4, the city of Clawson will host its fireworks display at dusk in the Clawson City Park, on West Elmwood, west of Main Street.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP
Also on July 4, Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Drive, in Shelby Township, and the Washington Township Board of Trustees will celebrate with a fireworks show at 10:10 p.m. Park officials advise arriving two hours prior to the show due to crowd conditions.

HUNTINGTON WOODS
At 10 a.m. July 4, Huntington Woods will hold its 38th annual Fourth of July parade, rain or shine. The theme this year is 50 years of Motown.

Marchers will be throwing candy out to children in the crowd. Music will be provided by the Windsor Police Pipe Band and First Michigan Colonial Fife and Drum Corps, and the Franklin Police Department will provide horses. The parade begins at the corner of Salem and Huntington roads, and ends at Scotia Park, where there will be speeches, awards and a hot dog roast. There will be a concert by the Sun Messengers in Scotia Park at 7:30 p.m. At dark, residents will walk over to the Rackham Golf Course for the city’s annual fireworks display, which will begin at about 10:05 p.m.

GROSSE POINTE FARMS
The city of Grosse Pointe Farms is sponsoring fireworks for Farms residents only at dusk on July 4 at Pier Lakefront Park, 350 Lakeshore Road. The fireworks are part of the annual regatta, which is sponsored by the Farms Boat Club. In case of rain, the fireworks will be moved to July 5.

SYLVAN LAKE
The Oakland County Boat Club Fireworks will be held at dusk July 5, provided the weather is appropriate, in Sylvan Lake. Spectators can watch at the Sylvan Lake Community Center, 2456 Pontiac Drive. Admission is free, but no parking zones will be enforced. Call (248) 682-1440 for more information.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP
On July 8, Clinton Township will host a concert and fireworks show at the Clinton Township Civic Center, 40700 Romeo Plank Road. Pre-fireworks activities, which include inflatable rides, moonwalks, glitter tattoos and the band Mega 80’s, begin at 5:45. Fireworks, which are set to patriotic music, begin at dusk.

FRASER
The city of Fraser will host a parade, picnic and fireworks show in conjunction with the Fraser Lions Carnival July 19. The parade begins at noon at Fraser High School, and ends at Steffens Park, behind City Hall, at 33000 Garfield Road, at 14 Mile Road. Fireworks begin at the park at dusk.