IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Iron Mountain Fire Department is gearing up for a big role in this year’s 4th of July celebrations. As part of the Iron Mountain-Kingsford 4th of July Parade, firefighters, both current and retired, will be collecting donations in their boots to fund the annual fireworks display through their “Fill the Boot” campaign.
Apparatus Engineer Nate Furton shares the excitement: “We’ll be walking in the 4th of July parade. We have a few apparatus in the parade as well and will be collecting money for the local fireworks here in Iron Mountain. We’ve been doing that for the past couple of years and just kind of get out in the public. Let everybody see what their tax dollars are going towards, and collect money to have a good fireworks display.”
Parade-goers can expect to see around 3 – 4 fire vehicles and approximately 15 firefighters participating. Furton emphasizes the department’s commitment to safety: “It goes to the Sons of the American Legion, and then I believe they pay for the fireworks, and then they put on the crew and what not for on top of the hill, and we cover all fire coverage during that event as well. We send people to the top of the hill up there and put out hot spots.”
He adds, “I’m hoping to get around 15 people in the parade, maybe 3 to 4 apparatus, so hopefully we’ll have a good showing. There will be plenty of personnel, both current and retired, on each side of the road with a boot collecting money for the fireworks fund.”
The parade kicks off at 9 AM CST, and the Iron Mountain fireworks will light up the sky at dusk over Millie Hill. Parade-goers are encouraged to bring their generosity and enjoy a safe, festive 4th of July with the community.
Those interested in entering a float in the Iron Mountain-Kingsford 4th of July parade, hurry! The deadline is fast approaching, and absolutely no float entries are accepted after Friday, June 28th. For the entry form, visit:
