By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – The annual fireworks display, sponsored by the Four Flags Chamber of Commerce, is set to take place tonight at the Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport at dusk, between 9:45 and 10 p.m.
Those wishing to watch the display may do so from the Apple Festival grounds located at the corner or Lake and 17th streets. If weather should be an issue, the display will take place on Wednesday.
"We always have to have two eyeballs on this event, with one focusing on the weather, but it looks like the weatherman is working in our pocket and the rain should hold off until late tonight," Ron Sather, President of the Chamber of Commerce said.
"We have 35 volunteers ready to get this event going. We have a picnic for them every year before the event, just to get them full and ready for the big night."
Sather also said the many of police officers, firefighters and SMCAS officials will make this event as safe as possible.
Extra volunteer firefighters and police officers will be on hand not only in the case of an accident, but also to make sure people in attendance are being safe with their own personal fireworks.
"We also have the concession stand, which will be there with snacks like elephant ears. This show is done by the generous donations of the 150 members of the Chamber. It's our 22nd year and this is possible because of them," Sather explained.
Sather also thank F&F All Seasons Fireworks for once again putting on the show this evening.
"They do a wonderful job. We've been with them so long that sometimes they throw in some extra shells or a little something at the end. They really are great," Sather added.
Fireworks should begin between 9:45 and 10 p.m. tonight.
Following is a listing of other fireworks and events taking place around the area:
Michigan
Berrien Springs
Fireworks at dusk Wednesday July 4 at the School Complex, Sylvester Street; (269) 473-6921.
New Buffalo
Fireworks at dusk July 6 at New Buffalo Beach off Whittaker Street; (800) 362-7251.
Niles
Fireworks sponsored by the Niles Chamber of Commerce at dusk (about 9:45 p.m.) Tuesday (rain date Wednesday); Apple Festival Fairgrounds,17th and Lake streets where food vendors will be available; free-will offering at the gate.
St. Joseph
Independence Day Celebration concert featuring Southwestern Michigan Orchestra and concluding with fireworks, begins with pre-concert entertainment at 6 p.m. Wednesday July 4, Shadowland Pavilion; bring a blanket or lawn chair; (269) 982-4030; $15 for adults, $8 for ages 11 and younger.
South Haven
Parade 2 p.m. Wednesday downtown; Light Up the Lake fireworks at dusk Thursday at the south pier over Lake Michigan; (800) 764-2836 or www.southhaven.org.
Three Oaks
Great American Music Festival with Billy "Sticks" Nicks and the Rhythm Rockers; 7 p.m. July 7 at Dewey Cannon Park, Three Oaks; followed by fireworks at dusk at Watkins Park; www.threeoaksevents.org or (800) 362-7251.
Indiana
South Bend
Star Spangled Evening featuring Vyagra Falls in concert; 7-11 p.m. Tuesday July 3; Studebaker National Museum, 201 S. Chapin St., South Bend; (574) 235-9714, (888) 391-5600 or www.studebakermuseum.org; minimum $20 donation.
An old-fashioned celebration at Studebaker National Museum and the Northern Indiana Center for History from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday July 4. Visitors receive $2 off museum admission and are invited to bring picnic lunches to enjoy on the grounds.
Meet Me on the Island 5-10 p.m. July 6; featuring jazz by Kuul Hand, life-size puppets artworks in motion by Kim Pruitt and Marybeth Saunders, and fireworks at dusk; South Bend Regional Museum of Art, 120 S. St. Joseph St.; (574) 235-9102 or www.sbrma.org; $8, ages 12 and younger and SBRMA members are admitted free.