The City’s 2021 4th of July Celebration will include three main events for all to enjoy. During this transitional period, these events will allow the community to celebrate America’s birthday while staying safe. A special thank you to our title sponsor, Spectrum Health, for making this celebration possible.
Kick-off Independence Day at the 11th Annual Reeds Lake Trail Blazer 5K Run/Walk, then watch the City-wide parade as it passes through your neighborhood and finally join us for a fireworks show over Reeds Lake after sunset:
| 8:30 a.m. | Reeds Lake Trail Blazer 5K Run/Walk | Community Center |
| 11 a.m.-noon | Parade | City-wide |
| Dusk/9 p.m. | Fireworks | Over Reeds Lake |
11TH ANNUAL REEDS LAKE TRAIL BLAZER 5K RUN/WALK
Register for or sign up to volunteer at this community-favorite event at reedslaketrailblazer.com. The race is open to individuals of all ages. All proceeds will benefit the East Grand Rapids Community Foundation, which works with the City to enhance and enrich EGR for residents and visitors to enjoy. Contact Karen Brower at kbrower@eastgr.org with any questions. View this event on Facebook.
PARADE
Similar to last year’s route, the 2021 parade has been designed to allow everyone to participate with family and friends from or near their home. City vehicles and other parade entrants will travel 4.5 miles of EGR’s main roads, passing through each of the City’s neighborhoods. The parade will last approximately 45 minutes. View the complete route map with estimated time frames to determine when and where you should watch.
Please note that City vehicles and parade entrants will be moving at a faster pace than usual at 10-15 mph and will not be passing out candy. It is critical that all viewers remain off the road at all times. If you are interested in participating in the parade, complete our form. Please note the parade will be limited to 20 entrants on a first-come-first-serve basis. Contact Parks & Recreation at 616.949.1750 with any questions.
FIREWORKS SHOW
Watch the fireworks over Reeds Lake by joining us in John Collins Park, the high school practice field and the middle school field.
Want to support the fireworks show? You can make your gift to Parks & Recreation by calling 616.949.1750.
More on Fireworks
Fireworks will be permitted in EGR between June 29 and July 4 until 11:45 p.m. per Michigan law. They are prohibited on public, church, school or private property without express permission from the property owner or a permit from the City.
If you choose to celebrate the 4th of July by setting off fireworks, please be courteous of your neighbors. The loud noises and flashing lights are a PTSD trigger for many veterans and also frighten many animals. Learn more by reading our fireworks safety tips.