East Grand Rapids, Michigan, June 18, 2019 – The City of East Grand Rapids invites residents and visitors alike to participate in its day-long 4th of July Celebration.
Sponsored by Spectrum Health, the City will host various festivities and events throughout the day for the entire family to participate in.
“The 4th of July Celebration has become a cherished tradition in our City,” said Mayor Amna Seibold. “Part of what makes East Grand Rapids so special is how engaged and connected our community is – and this celebration is a hallmark of that.
“We’re grateful to Spectrum Health for being our lead sponsor for this year’s event. They continue to be an important community partner as well as a key employer in our City.”
Kicking off the day’s festivities, the Reeds Lake Trail Blazer sponsored by Spectrum Health will begin at the Community Center, located at 750 Lakeside Drive, and will run along the northeast side of Reeds Lake and back through Waterfront Park. Adults and children are eligible to enter the race and children 10 and under may ride their bikes or scooters. All proceeds benefit the East Grand Rapids Community Foundation, which solicits funds for projects that enhance the quality of life for residents and beyond. To register, visit www.reedslaketrailblazer.com.
The 4th of July parade will begin at noon and last approximately an hour. Beginning at the intersection of Sherman and Wealthy streets, the route continues east on Wealthy and will turn left on Lakeside, ending at Reeds Lake Boulevard north of John Collins Park.
The parade does not conclude the celebration, however. After the parade, the community is invited to John Collins Park, located at 650 Lakeside Drive, for various activities, including a water ski show, a performance by local music group Hark Up and children’s games to ensure every moment is packed with great fun. In addition to the restaurants located in Gaslight Village, food trucks offering a variety of good eats and treats will line Lakeside Drive throughout the afternoon.
The festivities will culminate with a fireworks display over Reeds Lake, beginning at dusk and lasting approximately 25 minutes. Those attending the show should bring a blanket or chairs to relax on. To support the fireworks, contact Parks & Recreation Leisure Supervisor Rachel Seese at rseese@eastgr.org or 616.949.1750.
Following is the complete schedule of events:
- 8:30 a.m.: Reeds Lake Trail Blazer 5K Run/Walk at the Community Center
- Noon – 1 p.m.: Parade
- Noon – LATE: Shafer Concessions, Patty Matters, Kona Ice, Doughrunts, El Caribe and Gettin Fresh food trucks open
- 1 – 3:30 p.m.: Family fun including a bounce house, wrecking ball, air t-ball, giant Connect 4, airbrush tattoos and more
- 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.: Water ski show – Grand City Show Skiers
- 8 p.m. – Dusk: Hark Up performance
- Dusk: Fireworks over Reeds Lake
The City is still accepting parade entries; there is no charge to enter a float or vehicle. Those wishing to participate can enter until 5 p.m. on June 28.
“We are proud to be part of the East Grand Rapids community and truly value our longstanding partnership with the community. We look forward to this and future 4th of July celebrations,” said Julie Wolowitz, vice president of Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital.
For more information on the 4th of July Celebration, visit https://www.eastgr.org/4thofjuly.
For more information on East Grand Rapids, visit www.eastgr.org. Follow the City on Twitter @cityofeastgr and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CityofEGR.
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