MONROE COUNTY — Independence Day fireworks and a parade have been set in Monroe, Dundee, New Boston and Brownstown Township. Two popular holiday events aren’t taking place this year.
Domka Outdoors will not hold its Stars & Stripes Kids Fishing Tournament this year at Sterling State Park.
Because of continued construction on the Luna Pier Road Bridge over I-75, the City of Luna Pier canceled the Luna Pier Freedom Festival this year. The bridge will be closed through mid-July. The city hopes to hold a bridge opening celebration this summer or fall.
“Having that many people and cars in the city, and especially having them all trying to leave after the fireworks, would be a traffic nightmare,” festival organizers told The Monroe News in a social media message. “Everyone would have to exit the city via I-75 north, merging into only two lanes of travel in a construction zone. That would present a safety risk, and it would hamper emergency response, as no vehicles could get through the jammed-up traffic. We look forward to resuming the festivities next year.”
City-wide garage sales were typically part of the festival. Some sales may still be offered.
“The city does not regulate garage sales, so families can host them on their own,” festival organizers said. “There may be some on Saturday, June 29, but not on the grand scale that we are used to.”
Allen Chevrolet Cadillac Firework Festival
Allen Chevrolet Cadillac will hold its sixth Fireworks Festival from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. July 3 at Sterling State Park, 2800 State Park Road. Fireworks will begin at dusk, around 10 p.m.
Admission is free, but attendees must have a state park Recreation Passport to enter the park. The entrance closes at 9:30 p.m. Other activities also will be offered at the park. No alcohol is permitted.
Typically about 12,000 attend the Allen Chevrolet Cadillac Firework Festival.
“All lanes become exits between 9:30 p.m.-midnight,” Sterling State Park said on Facebook. “During this time, all vehicles trying to enter must wait outside the park along Dixie Highway.”
Allen Chevrolet Cadillac began sponsoring the Sterling State Park fireworks in 2019. The first year, more than 10,000 attended. The event was canceled in 2020. In 2021, more than 12,000 attended.
Before 2019, the River Raisin Independence Festival and Fireworks was offered at Sterling State Park for many years by the late John Patterson and the Monroe County Convention & Tourism Bureau. When it was announced that bureau would not continue the event, Allen Chevrolet Cadillac pledged money to bring back the event; several other businesses also pitched-in and continue to support the event.
Fireworks at metroparks
Two area metroparks will have fireworks.
Willow Metropark, 23200 S. Huron River Dr. in New Boston, will have music by American Ages Band at 6 p.m. July 1. Fireworks will begin at 10 a.m.
Lake Erie Metropark, 32481 W. Jefferson Road in Brownstown Township, will have live music by the Rick Lieder Trio at 6 p.m. July 3. Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m.
Admission is free; but a $10 daily park pass is required.
Dundee July 4 Parade
An Independence Day Parade will take place at 11 a.m., July 4 in Dundee.
The annual parade is sponsored by the Dundee Veterans Memorial Club and the Monroe County Amateur Radio Public Service Corp.
The parade will begin in the west high school parking lot on Viking Road. Participants should arrive by 10 a.m. to line up.
The parade will travel south on Rawson Street, east on M-50, proceed on East Main Street and then travel north on Dunham Street. It will end at the Dundee Veterans Hall.
An open house, featuring hot dogs and hamburgers, will follow the parade at the Dundee Veterans Memorial Club. All are welcome.
Organizations and individuals who want to be in the parade should contact Larry at 734-625-7401 or cymbola1@aol.com or call the Dundee Veterans Club at 734-529-2880.
Fireworks later in July
• In celebration of its 117 th anniversary, St. Anthony Catholic Church in Temperance will hold a picnic and bonfire from 7-10:30 p.m. July 4. Fireworks will end the evening. Reservations are due by July 1.
Also offered will be Mass at 6 p.m. and a meal. Attendees should bring chairs, blankets and a dish to pass. The church is at 6605 St. Anthony Road in Temperance. The church can be reached at 734-854-1143.
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• Fireworks will be part of Carleton's annual Crusin' for a Cause, set for July 20 in the village of Carleton. The rain date is July 21. Fireworks will begin at dusk at Ash-Carleton Park.
Cruisin' for a Cause also will include a car show, vendor show, parade, children's activities, live music and food. Proceeds benefit the Carleton Beautification Committee.
“We buy new Christmas lights to make our town shine,” said Darlene Fante, an organizer of the event.
To learn more, email lenak.tct@gmail.com.
• A fireworks celebration will kickoff the 77th Monroe County Fair. The show, sponsored by Dynamic Transportation LLC and Dynamic Fleets, will begin at dusk July 26 at the Monroe County Fairgrounds.
— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com .
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Fireworks, parade to mark July 4 holiday in Monroe County
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