News Photo by Temi Fadayomi Fireworks are pictured inside a tent located outside Walmart in Alpena on Friday.

ALPENA– With the Fourth of July rapidly approaching, there will be plenty of events taking place in Northeast Michigan this weekend and during Independence Day on Tuesday.

Starting things off, on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thundercon will be held in Alpena at Art in the Loft 109 N. Second Ave. Suite 300. The event is free to attend and will have more than 15 vendors, groups, and collections. The event will also feature guests like Emmy Award-winning make-up artist Daniel Phillips, who will greet guests and perform a make-up demonstration.

On Saturday, from 6 to 11:30 p.m., The Fresh Palate will hold its Summer Kick-off Alley Show at 109 N. Second Ave. which will hold performances from Mercier, State the Odds, Citrus Orange, and TrollyMog.

On Tuesday, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., the 2023 Dork Brothers 5K Run/Walk takes place at the APlex on Woodward Ave.

The Alpena News Sandcastle Contest starts at 8 a.m. at Starlite Beach. The competition has three divisions — 1 to 5 builders, 6 or more builders, and a kids division. For the 1 to 5 and 6 or more divisions, first place will receive $100, second place will receive $50, and third place will receive $25. For the kids division, first place will receive $50 and second place will receive $25. The winners will be announced at 4 p.m.

The annual HPC Credit Union Fourth of July Parade starts at the Alpena Fairgrounds at 11 a.m. Tuesday and will see 74 floats make their way through Alpena.

“One of the best parts about the parade is getting to see the creativity of the different floats,” Ellie Kindt, HPC Credit Union marketing coordinator/event planner, said.

Floats are separated into two categories, commercial and non-commercial with a first and second-place winner determined by three judges. The first-place winner will receive $225 and the second-place winner receives $150.

Starting at 7 p.m. at the Alpena Band Shell, True North Radio will hold the Rock Show. The event ends at 10 p.m.

Fireworks will begin at dusk.

When using consumer fireworks, fire officials recommend keeping a bucket of water, garden hose, or another source of water nearby when lighting fireworks as a way of preventing fires after disposal. When the fireworks complete their burning, officials recommend dousing the spent device with water before discarding the device.

“We really want people to have fun out there,” Andy Marceau, community risk reduction officer for the Alpena City Fire Department, said. “But it is important that safety measures are followed to prevent accidents.”

Other events taking place over the holiday weekend include:

BARTON CITY

Saturday — Barton City Blast 3K Fun/Walk. A pancake breakfast will take place from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and a blooper softball game will start at 1:30 p.m.

Monday — The Earl Cordes Memorial Horseshoe Tournament begins with qualifying at 11 a.m. and the tournament begins at 1 p.m.; a beer tent will run from 6 to 11 p.m. and DJ Stan will be in the tent from 7 to 11 p.m.

Tuesday — The Fourth of July parade begins at 11 a.m., following that there will be different activities in the park.

ROGERS CITY

Saturday — Free private movie at Rogers City Theater at 10 a.m.; Guy Louis Entertainment at the Band Shell from noon to 3 p.m.; face painting, bounce house, kids games, prizes, picnic lunch from 2:30 to 6 p.m.; Borderline 3 Concert at the Band Shell at 7 p.m.

ONAWAY

Saturday — Class of 2024 Cornhole Tournament at Maxon Field

Sunday — Western Days at Amy’s Arena beginning at 10 a.m.

Monday — Dancing Hippo Arts and Crafts Show at the courthouse lawn, Onaway Historical Society from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday — Fourth of July 5K Run/Walk at Holy Cross Lutheran Church beginning at 8 a.m.; food booth at American Legion Post 317 from 9 a.m. until gone; Dancing Hippo Arts and Crafts Show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Chicken Dinner for $20 at VFW Post 5857 from 11 a.m. until gone; Fourth of July Parade at noon at Onaway United Methodist Church

ATLANTA

Tuesday — Circus at Davis Field across from the high school from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

PRESQUE ISLE

Saturday — Township Fourth of July Picnic at Garrity Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.