Independence Day is nearly upon us. The MCCI office will be closed on the Fourth of July in observance of the holiday, and some of our team wanted to take a moment to reflect on our traditions!
- Maggie Jackson: When it comes to summer holidays like the Fourth of July, my family and I really don't make any major plans. We like to be Semper Gumby- Always Flexible- and just relax and go with the flow. Usually we will go down to one of the parks in Grosse Pointe and have a picnic with a few other families. Friends, family, food and fireworks - it doesn't get better than that.
- Erica Bush: In my hometown of Battle Creek, there was always the Field of Flight air show and fair during the 4th of July at our local airport. I will never forget the sound of the Thunderbirds, Snowbirds and Blue Angel aircrafts flying over, shaking my house. In the past we would do a fireworks show (WHICH WAS HUGE) on my aunt and uncle’s farm – all the food, all the fireworks, all the fun.
- Katie Rebella: My tradition right now is keeping the white noise machines and fans on so that Dominic (my 14 month old son) doesn't hear the 4th of July fireworks being set off.
- Bob Rossbach: Detroit Symphony Orchestra Concert for America outdoors in Greenfield Village. Picnic with family and friends and 4 or 5-thousand other patriots while enjoying a great program that celebrates the occasion. The 1812 Overture caps the music with actual cannon firings during the finale. And when the primary concert is over, they play more Sousa marches during a terrific display of fireworks. You are all welcome to join us, Friday, July 1.
- Chris Heaton: Boating and paddle boarding on spider lake near Traverse City - usually have a few local brews to go along with.
- Terry Oprea: Pancake breakfast at the Clawson Methodist church, on Main Street right on the July 4th Clawson parade route. Then Barbara and I set up our chairs with our Golden Retriever named Argus to watch the parade. After we go on to the Clawson craft fair at the Clawson city park. At that point we BBQ; there is a lot of neighborhood conversations on the street and sidewalks on our block. We end the night with fireworks at the park at sunset!
- Paul Manzella: We walk down to the corner to see the annual Huntington Woods Parade where every resident either marches in the parade or watches the parade. Then everyone heads into Scotia Park where they serve hot dogs and chips and politicians make speeches about what a great community and country we live in. Then we rest up for the concert in the park in the evening and fireworks over the golf course when it gets dark. Unlike Terry, my golden retriever isn't well-behaved enough to go to the parade. He'd want to run with all the kids walking in it.
- Sharon McMurray: Clawson is “the little city with the big heart” and it’s reflected in its Fourth of July parade. We ride our bikes to it and then sit on the curb on 14 Mile to watch it go by. Afterwards we check out the craft fair at the city park. We’ll have to look for Terry and Barbara! Like Paul, we don’t take our dogs. It would be TOO much fun for them!
- Mike Scott: We always meet other family members for the 4th of July Parade in downtown Clarkston that morning and in recent years have then gone to one of two neighborhood pool parties for a cookout and swimming with many of the families and kids in our subdivision. And we use plenty of sunscreen!
- Kim Stricker: Getting out on the sailboat in Lake St. Clair.
- Megan Peterson: Every year my mom makes a cake that's topped with whipped cream and strawberries and blueberries in the shape of a flag. Usually we go to the Clarkston craft fair at Clintonwood park and have delicious homemade lemonade, and then later walk to Everest Academy to get a good spot for the Clarkston fireworks.
- Anthony Whittaker: Every year I enjoy time at my cousin's house, having dinner and chatting. We always watch the local fireworks as a family.
Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!
