Cadillac prepares for family-friendly Fourth of July celebration

Cadillac News file photo This file photo from last yearΥs Cadillac Independence Day celebration shows a portion of the parade. This year the parade and other events, including fireworks, will be held on Sunday.

CADILLAC - The Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau plans on continuing a July 4th tradition this weekend.

With a multitude of events planned across the area for our nation's birthday, Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau representative Shari Ault said Cadillac also will have a little something for residents and visitors. Likewise, there will be chances for people to go fishing throughout the weekend and through the holiday.

“We did not want to compete with the Greatest Fourth in the North but we wanted to create something long lasting here in Cadillac,” Ault said. “It gives people more of a variety during the holiday weekend.”

At the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, administrative Assistant Amy Quesenberry said there will be daily programs scheduled. These include informative presentations as well as chances to go fishing. All events are free of charge and continue through the July 4th holiday.

This will be the second year Cadillac will host a variety of events including pie eating and water balloon contests as well as a parade, musical entertainment and of course fireworks, Ault said. For a listing of fireworks displays across the area see below.

Although there are various entertainment opportunities on the Fourth of July, it was decided to have the Cadillac celebration on Sunday. It is designed to just be a fun day where people can get together to celebrate.

“This is the second year it has been going on. In years past, they have had the parade, bike decorating and fireworks. It was very simple,” Ault said. “The goal is make it a free family fun day. Go to the park have a picnic, watch the parade and be with family and friends.”

As for now, Mother Nature looks like she will be in full cooperation and Ault said Sunday should be a good time.

“Sunday will be an awesome day. No rain is forecast and all the events are scheduled - the bike fun run around the lake and the big parade,” she said. “We were counting the registration for the parade and so far there are 27 entries. Last year, we had 28 and five who didn't even register. There is entertainment that starts 4 p.m. at the pavilion and fireworks that starts at 10:30 p.m.”

For more information about events contact the visitor's bureau at (231) 775-0657 or the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center at (231) 779-1321.

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Cadillac Independence Day celebration:

€ 1 p.m. - Pie Eating Contest (Sponsor McGuire's Resort)

€ 1 to 5 p.m. - Blow up Activities including Dunk Tank (Sponsor - Swaffer's Toyota) (Moonwalk - Obstacle Course - Basketball)

€ 2 p.m. - Water Balloon Contest (Sponsor Hungry Howie's Pizza)

€ 2:30 p.m. - Bicycle Fun Run around Lake Cadillac (Sponsor - Children's Learning Center / Tracy Trautner Owner)

€ 3:30 p.m. - Bike Decorating Contest (Sponsor - Children's Learning Center / Tracy Trautner Owner)

€ 4 to 10:30 p.m. - Entertainment Rotary Pavilion

€ 5 p.m. - Parade beginning at CHS (Sponsor Cadillac Footliters)

€ 10:30 p.m. - Fireworks over Lake Cadillac

€ Food vender and refreshments available in City Park.

€ For more information call (231) 775-0657 or e-mail to www.visit@cadillacmichigan.com.

rcharmoli@cadilllacnews.com | 775-NEWS (6397)