It’s almost that perfect time of the summer when the smell of barbecue on the grill fills the air and fireworks shoot off into the night sky. That’s right — Independence Day!

Fourth of July fun is just around the corner, and I, for one, am here for it. To me, the Fourth of July is the “fun big sister” of holidays. It’s a great big party to celebrate our country and the beginning of summer.

Luckily for all of us living in the southwest Michigan area, we have more than our fair share of festivities to choose from to celebrate America’s birthday.

Starting off the series of firework shows will be the Dowagiac show, annually hosted by the Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac. Kicking off at dusk, the fireworks can be seen best from Russom Park, Dowagiac Union High School, the armory or the old AYSO fields, according to event organizers.

Before the fireworks begin, those looking to fill their stomachs can attend the Dowagiac Fire Department’s corn and sausage roast. Beginning at 5 p.m., funds raised from the event will go to support the department.

The following day, The Sister Lakes Lion Club will host its annual fireworks show Saturday at Lions Park, 66991 95th Ave., Dowagiac. The fireworks show will begin at dusk. The Sister Lakes Fire Department will also be hosting a barbecue fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the station, 92282 County Road, Dowagiac. Additionally, the lakeside community will see its annual Big Foot Parade kicking off at 5 p.m. at Lions Park.

On Wednesday, July 3, the city of Niles will host its annual Fireworks Spectacular at the Apple Festival Fairgrounds, 1740 Lake St., Niles. In addition to fireworks at dusk, the event will feature concessions, face painting and more. A $5 donation is requested for parking.

Also on July 3, Edwardsburg will host its annual fireworks display at Painter, Juno and Christiana lakes.

On the Fourth of July itself, Buchanan will host its own celebration at Nimby Pond, 11470 Hills Road, Buchanan. Fireworks are expected to begin at 10:30 p.m.

Lastly, on Saturday, July 6, Cassopolis will get in on the festivities with the Diamond Lake Association’s annual fireworks show.

If you’re the ambitious type — or just really crazy about fireworks — you could try to hit several of these events to get more into the cheer. Personally, I think I’ll attend only one.

Either way, people in our small communities work very hard each year to host these celebrations, and I think it pays to stay local and support our communities rather than traveling further out to St. Joseph or Kalamazoo for a fireworks display. 

I can’t wait to see everyone out in the next week celebrating the Fourth of July!