Shores fireworks show lights up night sky this Friday

By Julie Snyder
C & G Staff Writer

ST. CLAIR SHORES — City officials promise revelers of all ages another spectacular fireworks display on Lake St. Clair in celebration of Independence Day.

Put on and funded by the St. Clair Shores Activities Committee, the event to commemorate the country’s independence is scheduled to take place June 27.

Each year on the Friday before the Fourth of July, the city hosts the daylong celebration at Veterans Memorial Park on Jefferson and Masonic, capped off by a 30-minute fireworks display at dusk.

Sandy Wolny, a longtime member of the Activities Committee, said the show, which will be put on by Great Lakes Fireworks again this year, compares to Detroit’s celebration.

“It will be the same fireworks show as in the past,” Wolny said. “And it’s a great show.”

Great Lakes Fireworks is based in Eastpointe and has been the supplier of St. Clair Shores’ fireworks for the past 10 years.

Ron Frederick, St. Clair Shores City Council liaison for the Activities Committee, said money to fund the show this year — which costs around $20,000 — has been raised through various activities that were held locally throughout the year.

“There will be plenty to do in the park all day, and a lot of people get there early to get the best seats,” Frederick said.

The Activities Committee also funds Halloween in the Park at Veterans and the Christmas Tree Lighting outside City Hall.

The Independence Day celebration attracts an estimated 80,000 to the park area.

Deejays from Elite Entertainment will provide music, and local businesses like Mastroh’s Ice Cream and National Coney Island will be selling food and beverages.

Wolny said that while it hasn’t been a problem in the past, she reminds residents that alcohol is not permitted in the park and coolers will be checked.

The fireworks typically lights up the sky at 10 p.m., Wolny said.

Also during the day, Splash Zone will be open until 9 p.m. and the adjacent concession stand will be open all day.

“It’s a traditional fireworks show to celebrate our country’s independence and honor our fallen military service men and women,” Frederick said. “It’s a multi-colored extravaganza.”

You can reach Staff Writer Julie Snyder at jsnyder@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1039.