Not Your Typical 4th in the North

June 24, 2016

Parades, picnics, bright fireworks and sunny beach days. Block parties, barbecues, hot dogs and ice cream. They’re all essentials for a classic Fourth of July celebration. But what if you want to try something a little different to celebrate America’s independence this year? Here are a few out-of-the-ordinary ways to celebrate the Fourth here in the North.

1. HORTON BAY HIJINKS

Funny, inventive, irreverent and marked by wry jokes and clever wordplay, the Horton Bay Parade in tiny downtown Horton Bay, Mich., is most definitely not your usual Fourth of July parade.

The event, which has been out of commission for several years, has enjoyed some revived funding in 2016, and locals are celebrating its resurrection with the theme “Past, Present, and Future Political Scandals” — one “Donald Trump” is even rumored to be the parade’s Grand Marshal.

Past parade entries have included silent marching bands; Hemingway tributes, such as “The Old Man and the C” (a man carrying a giant letter “C’”); a volcano that spewed out lava; a lawn chair brigade; and dinosaurs. The parade has snagged write-ups in the Chicago Tribune and in its heyday attracted 10,000 parade-watchers; one can only hope it will return to its previous glory. More information: facebook.com/ hortonbayparade2016

2. BAGPIPE TAKEOVER

Harbor Springs’ Fourth of July starts out looking similar to many other celebrations happening across northern Michigan that day. And for most of the holiday, it is, with a classic parade, art show, fireworks, and more. But those in the know make sure they don’t miss a funny little Fourth of July sideshow tradition known as The March of the Bagpipers.

Every year, the 49th Field Regiment Pipes and Drums participate in the Harbor Springs Fourth of July parade. But after the parade, the bagpipers regroup to slowly and loudly make their way down downtown Harbor Springs’ Bay Street, marching right through Stafford’s Pier restaurant and presenting an impromptu concert in the dining room or out on Dudley’s Deck.

These boisterously talented fellows even attempt to take requests, if you ask nicely; just don’t ask them what’s underneath their kilts, as you might get an answer that’s all in good fun but not necessarily PG-rated. More information: staffords.com/ pier-restaurant

3. VINTAGE CELEBRATION

If you feel like bursting into a vocal rendition of “The Star- Spangled Banner” while you’re at Mackinac Island’s Fort Mackinac for its Fourth of July celebration, nobody will blame you. After all, it was military activity at a similar locale (Fort McHenry) that inspired Francis Scott Key, in 1814, to write the song that would become America’s national anthem.

In honor of the 2016 holiday, however, the island’s historic fort, one of only two remaining all-original Revolutionary War forts in the U.S., will harken back to its 1880s heyday to celebrate our nation’s independence in utterly classic style. The fort will be generously decorated with vintage banners, American flags, and bunting, and it will host performances of patriotic music, Victorian dances and games on the fort parade grounds, 38-gun salutes honoring each states of the period, and an all-American picnic catered by the Grand Hotel. More information: mackinacparks.com

4. FERRY FUN

Since so much of northern Michigan life in the summertime revolves around the lakes, what better way to view the fireworks than from the water?

All thee Mackinac Island ferry companies — Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry, Arnold Line, and Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry — offer fireworks cruises for the Fourth of July, available from launches at Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City, and St. Ignace. Thanks to the water’s reflection of the bursting fireworks in the air, these special cruises deliver double the color and wow factor for fireworks aficionados and photographers.

More information: sheplersferry.com, arnoldline.com, mackinacferry.com

5. FIRE ON WATER

Those looking for a quieter, more reflective celebration will find the Fire on Water Military Tribute in Cadillac the perfect fit. Taking place on the Lake Cadillac shoreline between the city boat launch and Rotary Pavilion, three special bonfires are respectfully set ablaze before a quiet crowd The bonfires are set alight in honor of U.S. soldiers and then launched afloat on the lake, each making a striking sight against the water and the darkening evening sky. The event was established in 2011 by Mrs. Joy Liptak VanDrie, “in tribute to our military whom we often forget has given us the freedom to celebrate on Independence Day,” and each bonfire has a different meaning.

Bonfire No. 1 is in honor of past military, bonfire No. 2 is for current military, and bonfire No. 3 is lit for peace in the future. The Cadillac Area Honor Guard presents readings for all three bonfires, and plays “Taps” on the bugle. This event takes place as the Fourth of July weekend begins (Friday, July 1) and is a thoughtful, elegant, and different way to mark the real meaning behind this most American of holidays. More information: cadillacfreedomfestival.com