Center Line

Annual Center Line fireworks show is on

CENTER LINE — Rest assured, vivid colors and thunderous booms will light up the city’s skyline June 30.

That’s because the annual Center Line fireworks show —with music, vendors and, of course, roaring fireworks — is scheduled as planned. The fun will be from 6-10 p.m. at Memorial Park, located at Lawrence and Engleman, next to the city’s Parks and Recreation Building. Admission is free.

City officials were unsure if the event would happen because funds weren’t available in this year’s budget. But thanks to the generosity of local businesses, the show — a crowd favorite — is on.

A $5,000 donation is coming from Christian Financial Credit Union to help fund the event, and officials from MHT Housing Inc., which owns and operates the Center Line Park Towers, are donating another $5,000.

“We could not afford to do it without donations,” City Manager Nancy Bourgeois said.

Zambelli Fireworks Internationale Inc., based in Newcastle, Pa., has been hired to provide the fireworks for the evening.

The event will include live music, and at press time, committee officials were in the process of deciding on a band or bands to perform that night. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.       

Free parking will be available in the Chrysler south parking lot off Lawrence, and on the west end of Lawrence at Engleman, and on side streets. Parking for disabled individuals will be set up in the city’s Parks and Recreation Building parking lot.

The fireworks show not only celebrates Independence Day, but also gives local businesses the opportunity to highlight their establishments. Center Line business owners are welcome to set up booths in the park to promote their businesses free of charge.

“We want them to take advantage of the event,” Bourgeois said. “We welcome them.”

Businesses located outside the city are also invited to promote their establishments. However, business owners outside the city limits must pay a $100 business licensing fee to participate.

Business owners looking to register can call City Hall at (586) 757-6800.

— Maria Allard