America turns 250 this year, and communities across the Blue Water Area are marking the milestone with fireworks, parades, festivals and family-friendly events.
Whether you’re looking for the biggest celebrations, local history or holiday weekend planning tips, this guide has everything you need to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial in St. Clair and Sanilac counties.
Why America 250 matters
America’s 250th birthday offers an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s history and the role the Blue Water Area has played in it.
While Port Huron did not exist in 1776, the community has spent its entire history as part of the United States. From the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse — Michigan’s oldest lighthouse — to the international connection provided by the Blue Water Bridge, the region has long served as a gateway between the United States and Canada.
Local historian Andrew Kercher said milestones such as the nation’s semiquincentennial provide an opportunity to look back at how the country has evolved over time.
“Two hundred and fifty years is always a great opportunity to reflect,” Kercher said.
Kercher encourages residents to revisit the Declaration of Independence as part of the anniversary.
“It’s kind of the world’s most famous breakup letter,” Kercher said. “It’s a good time to reflect on what was important to them and maybe what is important to us today.”
Whether celebrating at a parade, fireworks show or community festival, the anniversary offers a chance to reflect on the nation’s past while considering its future.
Where to celebrate
Lexington Independence Day Fireworks & Parade — Lexington
Lexington’s Independence Day celebration spans two days, beginning with a fireworks display over Lake Huron on July 3. The festivities continue July 4 with the community’s annual parade, as residents and visitors line the streets to celebrate with patriotic floats, performers and red, white and blue-themed entries.
Parade & Fireworks Display — Port Sanilac
Celebrate Independence Day along the Lake Huron shoreline with a parade and fireworks display. The parade begins at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, while fireworks over the harbor are scheduled for dusk. Harbor Park offers one of the most popular public viewing locations for the display.
4th of July Fireworks Display — St. Clair
The city of St. Clair’s annual Independence Day fireworks display will light up the St. Clair River beginning at 9:45 p.m. Visitors can watch from Palmer Park and the recently renovated boardwalk, with food vendors and nearby restaurants adding to the festivities.
Only here
The Blue Water Area is home to the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, Michigan’s oldest lighthouse. Originally established in 1825 and rebuilt in 1829 after storm damage, the landmark has guided ships entering the St. Clair River for nearly two centuries and remains one of the region’s most recognizable attractions.
Few communities can claim a connection to one of America’s greatest inventors. Thomas Edison spent much of his youth in Port Huron, where he sold newspapers on trains and worked as a telegraph operator before becoming one of the nation’s most influential inventors.
Port Huron is the starting point of the annual Bayview Mackinac Race, the longest continuously run freshwater sailboat race in the world. Each summer, hundreds of sailors begin their journey north to Mackinac Island from the shores of southern Lake Huron.
The Blue Water Area’s location at the southern end of Lake Huron has made it a gateway to the Great Lakes for generations. Thousands of freighters carrying commodities such as iron ore, grain and coal pass through the St. Clair River each year, making the shoreline one of the best places in North America to watch commercial shipping traffic.
In neighboring Sanilac County, Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park preserves Michigan’s largest known collection of Native American rock carvings. The sandstone carvings, believed to date to the pre-Columbian era, offer a rare glimpse into the region’s Indigenous history.
Know Michigan’s fireworks laws
Michigan law generally allows consumer fireworks to be used from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. each day from June 29 through July 4.
Consumer fireworks may not be discharged on public property, school property, church property or another person’s property without permission from the property owner. Local governments may also have additional restrictions on where fireworks can be used.
Residents should always follow manufacturer instructions, keep water nearby and be mindful of neighbors, pets and dry conditions when using fireworks.
Places everyone should see
While you’re exploring the region for America’s 250th birthday, consider adding a few of these local landmarks, museums and scenic destinations to your itinerary.
However you choose to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, organizers encourage visitors to arrive early, follow local safety guidelines and enjoy the many events taking place throughout the Blue Water Area.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Your complete guide to America’s 250th birthday in the Blue Water Area
Reporting by Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald / Port Huron Times Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald | USA TODAY Network
