4th of July on the Sunrise Side

This year, come on over to the Sunrise Side and enjoy our fabulous Independence Day festivities!  We are expecting sunny days in the 80s, and Lake Huron is the perfect backdrop for 4th of July fun!

Here in Presque Isle, the Saturday nearest the 4th is always the day for our big events (July 2, this year).  Be sure to visit the New Presque Isle Lighthouse Park for the annual 4th of July picnic, with a fun kiddie parade at 10:30 and picnic fare served from 11 - 3.  Spend some time on Grand Lake, Long Lake, or Lake Huron after that in anticipation of the big fireworks display starting at dusk at Presque Isle Harbor.  Association members can view the fireworks from Crystal Point across the harbor.  This area has several fire pits for hot dogs and s'mores and a large area of shoreline so you can find your own private spot to enjoy the show.  This is one of the biggest parties of the year!

In Alpena, there are several other fun events sure to delight you and your family including art exhibits, contests, concerts, a parade, and of course the Thunder Bay Maritime Festival.  This huge event, which takes place on the 4th of July, features music from folk artists and entertainers, cardboard boat regatta, tall ship tours, food, loads of kids activities, boat building, and much, much more! Check out the 2011 Festival brochure here.

Image from Michigan.org

 For other great activities for you and your family to enjoy from Friday through Monday, check out these ideas from the Alpena Convention and Visitor's Bureau.  Hope to see you here! 


1-2: Northeast Michigan Artist’s Guild Exhibit at Besser Museum for NE MI, 491 Johnson St. Friday & Saturday, 10a.m.-5p.m. An exhibit featuring artistic interpretations from the poem "I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud" (also known as "Daffodils") by William Wordsworth. 989-356-2202.
1-3: Funny Girl - Thunder Bay Theatre presents the classic hit musical! Show times are Friday & Saturday, 7:30p.m. and Sunday, 2p.m. Call 989-354-2267 for reservations. Located at 400 N. 2nd Ave. www.thunderbaytheatre.com
1-3: Summer View ~ at Art in the Loft Gallery 109, inside the Center Building in Downtown Alpena. Open Friday-Sunday, Noon-6pm. Sunday, Noon-4p.m. A unique gallery experience featuring the work of over 30 juried artists. Come view our selection of affordable fine art and unique gifts in all price ranges. 989-356-4877.
1: Mill River Days Cruise In from 6p.m.-8:30p.m. in Downtown Hillman. Bring your classic car to the Cruise In held in the Village parking lot behind the Hi-Way Inn. No entry fee. People's choice trophy. Sponsored by Wheels of Northeastern Michigan Car Club Inc. Questions contact Dennis Walker, 989-742-3651.
3: 18th Annual Hillman Street Drags, Noon-5p.m. on Progress Street in Downtown Hillman. Street legal vehicles race 1/8 mile for fastest time. Vehicle registration $40. Spectator admission $4, children under 12 free. Race held on Progress Street, downtown Hillman. Spectators view race from Elementary School playground area. Food concession on grounds. Questions, contact Dennis Walker, 989-742-3651.
4: Alpena's Sandcastle Contest - Registration begins at 8a.m. and judging will take place at 4p.m. Please call 989-356-6422 for more information.
4: Alpena's Lafarge 4th of July Parade begins at 11a.m. at the Alpena County Fairgrounds, then continues down 11th Ave. to Chisholm St. to 2nd Ave., cross the bridge, turn left on Fletcher. 989-354-4181.
4: Alpena Optimist Rubber Duckie Race - Tickets will be sold during the parade. The rubber ducks will be released from the 9th Street bridge following the parade, then float down the river to The Rotary Island Mill Park. 
4: 11th Annual Thunder Bay Maritime Festival at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary/Heritage Center. www.thunderbay.noaa.gov 989-356-8805.
4: Alpena City Band Concert at the Bay View Park Band Shell at 5:30p.m.
4: True North Radio Network 2010 Summer Concert Series featuring "7 Bridges" a tribute to The Eagles. Free of charge at the Bay View Park Band Shell from 7p.m.-10p.m.
4: A “Retro” Night of family fun will be held at 7p.m. at New Life Christian Fellowship, 317 S. Ripley Blvd., Alpena. Please join us for a pre-fireworks open air concert featuring Ken Norberg, musician and song-writer, along with his wife Lisa, an accomplished flautist. There is no cost. FREE hotdogs, popcorn and lemonade will be served. Please bring your own lawn chairs.
4: Alpena's 4th of July Fireworks ~ Join us for what is sure to be a thrilling evening for all!! Display will begin at dusk at the Alpena waterfront.