News File Photo of Minions marching in the 4th of July parade in Alpena.

ALPENA – Communities throughout Alpena County and surrounding areas are preparing for Independence Day events featuring parades, fireworks displays and family activities that highlight Northeast Michigan’s shoreline traditions and mark the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Page Fisher, President of the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce, underscored the broader benefits on the local economy.

“Holiday weekends like the 4th of July bring a meaningful boost to our local economy,” Fisher said. “More visitors, more foot traffic, and stronger sales for our small businesses while showcasing the sense of community that makes Northeast Michigan such a special place to visit.”

The influx during peak summer tourism season supports lodging, dining and retail operations not only in Alpena but also in surrounding towns as families travel the US-23 corridor along Lake Huron. Regional events encourage overnight stays and day trips that sustain businesses from marinas to downtown shops.

Fisher also highlighted a local effort to complete funding for Alpena’s fireworks.

“As part of that community spirit, we’re hosting a drive-thru fundraiser at the Chamber from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1 to help raise the final $2,000 needed for the fireworks display on July 3rd at dusk, and we encourage everyone to come out and support this tradition.”

The Alpena fireworks display launches at dusk on Friday from a barge on Thunder Bay near the Blair Street Pier and will be visible from multiple waterfront locations including Bay View Park and Mich-e-ke-wis Park. It serves as the kickoff to the long weekend.

On July 4 the HPC Credit Union Fourth of July Parade begins at 11 a.m. from the Alpena County Fairgrounds with a patriotic theme tied to 250 years of American history. The route proceeds through downtown streets before ending near the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. A free 250 Jubilee festival follows at Alpena City Hall with old-fashioned games, music, dancing and ice cream.

The annual The Alpena News Sandcastle Contest is also taking place at Starlite Beach in Alpena.

July 3

Onaway, approximately one hour southwest, offers its Independence Day Freedom Fireworks display on Friday at dusk at the Onaway Speedway. The community’s celebration follows the theme “250 Years of Freedom” and features live music by the band Duce from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., a kids’ bounce house and a daytime car show and drag racing. Other festivities extend through July 5th with a Grand Marshal parade on Saturday at noon, and a rubber duck race and a firefighter water fight.

July 4

Harrisville, about 50 minutes south of Alpena, presents a pyro musical display on Saturday, starting at dusk over the Harrisville Harbor. Attendees can tune in to WXTF 97.9 FM for music synchronized with the fireworks. The Children’s Parade gathers at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Richard’s Pharmacy West Lot before proceeding down to the Harbor.

The Oscoda/Tawas area hosts the Light Up the Bay Fireworks at 10 p.m. on Saturday at Shoreline Park in Tawas City, with live music, food vendors and family activities at Oscoda Beach Park and surrounding sites throughout the weekend.

Presque Isle Township’s celebrations occur on Saturday as well, starting with the Friends of the Grand Lake Library Parade at the New Presque Isle Lighthouse. Parade lineup begins at 10 a.m. at 4500 E. Grand Lake Road, where children are encouraged to decorate bikes and wagons. The Independence Day Parade kicks off at 10:30 a.m. A community picnic hosted by the Presque Isle Township Parks and Recreation Committee runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the New Lighthouse Park with grilled food, games and music. Fireworks launch at dusk over the Presque Isle State Harbor, organized by the Presque Isle Fun Raisers.

The overlapping schedules create seamless opportunities for attendees to experience multiple events. Daytime parades and picnics in towns such as Presque Isle and Onaway pair naturally with evening fireworks in Alpena, Harrisville, and Tawas City, encouraging travel along scenic routes for an eventful holiday weekend. The 250th anniversary theme ties together Alpena’s Jubilee, Onaway’s freedom-focused events and area township gatherings.