From fireworks to a pickle fling, Michiana offers many activities for July 4th holiday

Tribune Staff Report
·5 min read
Fans watch fireworks at Four Winds Field in 2017 and fans can enjoy fireworks after the July 4 game against the Timber Rattlers this year.
Fans watch fireworks at Four Winds Field in 2017 and fans can enjoy fireworks after the July 4 game against the Timber Rattlers this year.

SOUTH BEND — If you are looking for a fun way to celebrate the holiday this year, look for local events. Holiday events in the region include:

INDIANA

• Elkhart — Ruthmere is a participant in the Blue Star Museum program and will offer free admission to all active-duty service men and women and their families on July 3. Each visitor will receive a free patriotic souvenir or experience a special activity appropriate to the occasion. Ruthmere is located at 302 E. Beardsley Ave. Tours are on the hours of 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.

• Elkhart — Join Elkhart Parks and Recreation for free music and fireworks. The 1985 will perform at the Central Green stage, 300 S. Main St., at 8 p.m. July 2 followed by fireworks after dusk.

• Knox — The Family Fun Day and Fireworks Show will be July 2. The parade will begin at 1 p.m., gates at Wythogan Park, 101 W. Washington St., will open at 2 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. (all times are CDT). Activities for the entire family with games, activities, food, music, and a beer garden.

• Lakeville — Newton Park 4th of July Celebration on July 4, 801 N. Michigan St. Gates open at 7 p.m. with a free 8 p.m. concert by Cook & Belle followed by fireworks at 10 p.m. No smoking, alcohol, coolers, or pets allowed. Concessions available for purchase.

• LaPorte — The Kiwanis Club of LaPorte will host the Run for Riley 5K Run/Walk on July 4. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. CDT with the race starting at 8:30 a.m. CDT. The route is a simple out-and-back down Lincolnway Avenue before the start of the parade. Register online by July 3 at: runsignup.com/Race/IN/LaPorte/KiwanisRunforRiley. The cost is $25. A portion of proceeds go to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.

• LaPorte — 76th Annual LaPorte 4th of July Parade, sponsored by The Kiwanis Club of LaPorte, 10 a.m. CDT July 4. Following the traditional route in uptown LaPorte it will continue to travel west down Lincolnway from Tipton Street to Andre Avenue. The theme this year is “American Proud. LaPorte Proud.”

• Mishawaka — Fourth Annual Independence Day Celebration, 3 p.m. July 2 at Central Park, 235 E. Mishawaka Ave. Live music, kid’s games and activities, food, vendors, arts and crafts, and fireworks at dusk.

• New Paris — Head out to the New Paris Speedway, 16806 County Road 46, for a “Celebration of Independence Night of Destruction and Fireworks” on July 2. Pits and gates open at 3 p.m. and racing starts at 6 p.m. Tickets: $15-$5; children 5 and under are free. Pit passes: $30.

• North Liberty — “Celebrate America” parade at 2 p.m. July 4 in downtown. Fireworks will begin at dusk.

Members of the John Glenn color guard perform during the Fourth of July parade in North Liberty Tuesday, July 4, 2017. Tribune Photo/MICHAEL CATERINA
Members of the John Glenn color guard perform during the Fourth of July parade in North Liberty Tuesday, July 4, 2017. Tribune Photo/MICHAEL CATERINA

• Shipshewana — Shipshewana Flea Market has an extended holiday market schedule of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 4–6. The flea market is located at 345 S. Van Buren St.

• South Bend — Celebrate July 4 at Four Winds Field, 501 W. South St., watching the Cubs play the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at 7:05 p.m. and fireworks after. Tickets: $16-$14.

• Syracuse — Lake Wawasee Fireworks, 1116 S. Harkless Drive. 10:15 p.m. July 2. Fireworks from the center of the lake, view from the shoreline or from a boat. Tune to Willie 103.5 FM for synchronized music.

• Walkerton — “Only in America” parade at 7 p.m. July 4. Begins at Urey Middle School and ends at John Glenn High School, 201 John Glenn Drive, where fireworks will begin at dusk. Concessions available.

MICHIGAN

This file photo from 2004 shows a pickle decorated by a child as part of the Berrien Springs Pickle Festival. The event returns July 4 on the grounds of the History Center at Courthouse Square on Cass Street.
This file photo from 2004 shows a pickle decorated by a child as part of the Berrien Springs Pickle Festival. The event returns July 4 on the grounds of the History Center at Courthouse Square on Cass Street.

• Berrien Springs — July 4 Pickle Festival on the grounds of the History Center at Courthouse Square, 313 N. Cass St. There is a pancake and sausage breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. At 4 p.m. there is a 4th of July Parade. From 5 to 10 p.m. the Star Spangled Street Dance will be at Legion Post 85, 112 N. Bluff St., $5 entry fee for ages 13+ and at dusk community fireworks.

• Cassopolis — Diamond Lake Fireworks, 10:30 p.m. July 2 (wind/rain delay date will be July 3).

• Dowagiac — Freedom Fireworks Annual Event, July 1 at dusk. Sponsored by Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac. Fireworks will be set off at the airport, with public viewing at Russom Park, the Dowagiac Armory, the field near the fire department, high school parking lots and the surrounding area. Bring blankets and chairs to enjoy this free family fun event. Donations accepted. Rain date is July 3.

• Galien — Fourth of July Parade will begin at 11 a.m. on July 4.

• New Buffalo — Independence Day fireworks over Lake Michigan from 10 to 11:30 p.m. July 2 at Lions Park, 612 Marquette Drive.

• Niles — Fireworks will begin at dusk, 9:30 p.m., at the Apple Festival Grounds, 1740 Lake St. There will be a $5 donation for those parking on the grounds.

Matthew Aubin will conduct the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra's annual Independence Day Concert and firework display on July 3 at Shadowland Pavilion.
Matthew Aubin will conduct the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra's annual Independence Day Concert and firework display on July 3 at Shadowland Pavilion.

• St. Joseph — Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra will present its annual Independence Day Concert and firework display on July 3 at Shadowland Pavilion, Silver Beach County Park, 101 Broad St. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Concessions available. No food or drink may be brought into the park. Rain location will be in the St. Joseph High School auditorium, 2521 Stadium Dr. If inclement weather, SMSO will update its phone message after 2 p.m. day of the concert at 269-982-4030. Gate opens at 7:30 p.m., performance at 8:30 p.m. Purchase tickets at smso.org. Cost: $35-$10.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: July 4th 2022: Where to celebrate Fourth of July with fireworks, events