No fireworks, Clown Band on July 4.

Scottville Clown Band in downtown Ludington. Photo by Todd Reed.

No fireworks, Clown Band on July 4.

LUDINGTON — The Ludington Area Jaycees will be proposing a modified Freedom Festival Fourth of July celebration to City Council Monday evening. The plan calls for the cancelation of the popular fireworks and a grand parade that will weave its way around 12.55 miles of Ludington, with no walking or bike participants allowed.

For the first time since 1948, the Scottville Clown Band will not be participating in the parade. The band’s board made the decision based on the extensive parade route and on the need to ride on a vehicle. The July 4 celebration typically draws around 100 members of the volunteer organization, which has a policy of not turning away its membership for performances.

The Jaycees are proposing a route that begins on Nelson Road, heads north to Tinkham Avenue, then proceeds to wind up and down streets, eventually ending in downtown.

“The goal of having the expanded route is to remove congestion from the roughly one mile stretch down Ludington Avenue,” the Jaycees’ proposal to city council states. “Residents and visitors would be able to watch along the expanded route allowing for social distancing. The route intentionally does not go down Ludington Avenue, as we were concerned that people would fall into old habits and set up at their regular spots.”

In addition to no walking allowed, all parade entrants not in the same family unit must abide by social distancing guidelines. No handouts will be allowed. Trailers must be less than 36 feet long.

The children and pet parade has also been cancelled. The Jaycees are proposing holding a virtual run on July 4 and a porch decorating contest. The organization has also secured 3,000 disposable masks which it is proposing law enforcement hand out to people who would like one.

City council will meet via Zoom at 6:30 p.m.

Instructions for the meeting:
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Meeting ID: 851 0106 5237
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