MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Marquette Fourth of July Committee met early Wednesday morning and decided on the dates for this year’s Fourth of July celebration events. This year does feature some adjustments to the schedule and a new event taking place on July 4.
Starting at noon on Sunday, the food fest will be starting off the celebration. President of Marquette County exchange club Geno Angeli has been involved in the 4th of July food fest since the 80s and knows they need all the help they can get. “This is our number one fundraiser for Marquette County Exchange club,” said Angeli.
The food fest helps the exchange club gather funds that end up supporting over 75 charities in the Marquette area. Community members can enjoy live music, local food from several different vendors, and even inflatables from Sunday, July 2nd through July 4th.
Marquette’s 4th of July parade will follow up on Tuesday starting at 2 pm, featuring the theme “Stars and Stripes Forever” and special guest Nheena Itner.
“This is the first time she doesn’t even know it yet, she’s going to be the parade, Marshall,” said Committee Member Bob Anderson.
This year, instead of fireworks on the 4th of July, an all-encompassing laser show will help celebrate the holiday after dusk, down at Mattson Lower Harbor. ”Now we’re not getting rid of the fireworks we’re moving the fireworks to the 3rd of July,” said Committee Member Chris Durley.
Chris Durely with the Marquette 4th of July Committee notes that the fireworks in the past have been known to be alarming or discomforting for veterans or people with PTSD or sensory issues. “For decades we’ve had the fireworks on the fourth of July. It’s a great show it brings a lot of people out but it also excludes a lot of people. So we still get the booms we still get the lights in the sky, but on the fourth, we can finally celebrate with those who helped make the fourth what it is,” continued Durley.
Click here for more information on the Marquette 4th of July celebration.
