Photo by Mark T Townsend July 4, 2011
Tomorrow is the Fourth of July. For me this means a day full of traditions, traditions which have remained remarkably similar throughout my life.
Growing up my family and I would spend two or three weeks at my Grandparent’s cottage on Otter Lake, which is now part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. (Here’s a link to stories about The Cottage if you’re interested in reading.) We were often there in July, so on the 4th we would drive to Frankfort, MI for the parade and fireworks.
In an interesting twist of fate I ended up marrying a man from Frankfort, though we met in college hours away from either of our home towns. Therefore, unlike many other holidays, my 4th of July traditions have changed very little. No matter where we’ve been in the last twelve years we have always tried to return home in July.
Tomorrow I’ll be getting up early to run the Beulah Firecracker 5k, which I’ve raced in at least a dozen times. We’ll rush back to the house and clean up as fast as possible in order to make it to town for the parade. Afterwards we’ll enjoy BBQ chicken, a craft fair, and some ice cream as we stroll through town. The afternoon will be spent on the beach surrounded by family and friends. Finally, as the sun sets, we’ll settle in for one of the best fireworks shows that I have ever seen.
Thousands of people crowd onto the Lake Michigan beach in a town of fifteen hundred permanent residents to ooh and aah as rockets zing and boom over the inky expanse of cold fresh water.
I love traditions, and I love the 4th of July.
Do you celebrate an Independence Day? What are your favorite traditions?
I envy you. I spend many of my childhood Independence Days ‘Up North’ (as we down-staters call your neck of the woods). I think I’d be over on Elberta’s beautiful beach to watch those fireworks (maybe less croweded?). We used to go to a wacky little parade in the tiny town of Horton Bay, on Lake Charlevoix, then the fireworks on Round Lake.
Have a wonderful time in Pure Michigan, my state-sharing friend! Happy Independence Day!
In the past we’ve been fortunate enough to view the fireworks from the roof of a house near the beach! How funny that you vacationed in Horton Bay- that’s not far from my home town! I hope you have a wonderful 4th as well.
I hope you had a wonderful day! I am soooo jealous you are so close to family–mine is spread across the country, and now my children have joined that rank. Wishing you the very best, my friend. :)
Ours was perfect! I’m sorry you’re family is so spread out. We have been for years as well. Give it a few more and I’ll bet they wander back home. ;)