In-person fireworks are back. Here are some places to watch

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, fireworks and festivals in Metro Detroit are making a comeback in 2021 after many events were canceled last year due to the pandemic.

"COVID-19 canceled so many things this past year, so now that it is safe to go outside again it feels like we are making a step in the right direction," said Karl Ziomek, director of communications and marketing for the city of Taylor, which will host its annual Taylor Summer Music Festival July 8-10. 

Taylor's annual festival is popular for many reasons. Children enjoy the carnival rides and the fireworks, while the older crowd appreciates the music entertainment and a wide variety of food from different vendors. 

The weekend will offer  plenty of entertainment from concerts to carnivals. Filter, with special guest Sponge, will headline a rock concert on July 9. LOCASH, with special guest Christ Bandi, will headline a country-themed concert on July 10, the night of the fireworks. The concerts will be held inside the Sheridan Open Air Pavilion in Heritage Park. A carnival will be held all three days, with the featured fireworks presentation at dusk on July 10.

During the carnival, guests can pay $17 per person, per day, for an unlimited number of rides if purchased online before July 7. Armbands will be available for $20 on Thursday, and for $25 Friday-Saturday.

Last year, the festival was postponed until Labor Day weekend due to the coronavirus.

“Taylor has a well-respected tradition for its fireworks, and we are doing our best to put on that type of show again this year,” Ziomek said. “We are finally getting out of the pandemic restrictions. Traditionally we host our fireworks and festival in late June, but naturally last year we held out hope instead of canceling the fireworks until September, but we ended up canceling the fireworks completely due to COVID restrictions.”

Crissy Whalen, 38 of Royal Oak, said "We are so happy the fireworks are back this year. My friends will be in town that weekend, so we will attend the fireworks, after our boat trip. We usually grab a big blanket and sit together to watch the show. It always a lot of fun to see fireworks, no matter how old you are. It feels like a new experience every time.” 

Ziomek said he is looking forward to seeing residents come out to enjoy that weekend. 

“To be honest, I think everyone is just looking forward to being out and about again,” he said. “People are now enjoying themselves a little more and I think by the time the weekend of our festival rolls along in July, people will be feeling more relaxed and excited to watch the fireworks together as a community.”

 If you’ve missed seeing fireworks blast off live, here's a list of places to watch in Detroit and surrounding communities.

Wayne County

Ford Fireworks, Monday, 10 p.m. Monday, June 28. This event will be televised only on WDIV-Detroit. The event is closed to the public.

Greenfield Village Fireworks: "Salute to America: Summer Stroll," 6-10 p.m. June 30-July 3. Fireworks cap the evening. General admission is $32. Parking at the Henry Ford Museum, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn.

Willow Run Fireworks,  July 1, dusk, Willow Run Metropark, 23200 S. Huron, New Boston. Metropark admission required. 

Lake Erie Metropark Fireworks, Saturday, July 3, dusk, Lake Erie Metropark, 32481 W Jefferson Ave, Brownstown. Park admission required.

Oakland County

Lake Orion Fireworks, begins at dusk on June 26, over Lake Orion. Free admission.

Fourth annual Cars Under the Stars Fireworks Spectacular,  due to rain, this event has been postponed to July 18, 6-10:30 p.m., M1 Concourse, 1 Concourse Dr., Pontiac. Cost: $5 for Pontiac residents; $10 for nonresidents. Track parking is $20. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.

Stony Creek Fireworks,  June 30, 10 p.m. at Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Dr., Shelby Township. Metropark vehicle pass required for entry. There is a park entrance fee. 

Fireworks at Red Run Golf Course,  July 1, 10 p.m., The Woodward Corner Market will host their Fourth of July Weekend Roadshow. 2036 Rochester Rd., Royal Oak. Members can enter for free.

Kensington Metropark, July 2, dusk, 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford. Metropark vehicle pass required for entry. 

White Lake Fireworks, July 3, dusk, over the lake. Free. Hosted by the White Lake Citizens League. 

Wolverine Lake Fireworks,  July 3, dusk, on Wolverine Lake in Commerce Township. Free.

Pine Knob Fireworks,  July 4, 10 p.m., 7778 Sashabaw, Clarkston. Free.

Macomb County

Shelby Township Independence Day Fireworks,  July 1, Ford Field Central Park, 7460 23 Mile. Free.

Sanilac County

Lexington Fireworks,  July 2, downtown Lexington, free.

Livingston County

Whitmore Lake Fireworks, July 2, on Whitmore Lake, free.

Saginaw County

Frankenmuth Fireworks, July 3, Heritage Park, 601 Weiss, free.