Ludington July 4 parade, fireworks returning. 

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

Ludington July 4 parade, fireworks returning. 

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

LUDINGTON — Ludington’s Fourth of July celebration is returning this year. During its regular meeting Monday, the Ludington City Council approved a request by the Ludington Area Jaycees to again hold the Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival parade and fireworks on July 4. The parade and fireworks were cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s parade will begin at 1 p.m. instead of the traditional 2 p.m. The fireworks will begin at dusk, about 10:30 p.m. and are expected to last 30 to 45 minutes. 

“This pandemic has changed a lot of community events and we hope to bring bring back one tradition in a safe and responsible manner,” said Jaycees President Cory Rickett, adding that the community will be encouraged to follow CDC and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines. 

The request by the Jaycees was approved by the council through unanimous consent, rather than a motion. 

The Scottville Clown Band board of directors had voted earlier this spring that the band would perform in Ludington on July 4 no matter the situation of the parade. Some local merchants had been working on a performance of the band on South James Street. Since the parade has been approved, the street show plans have been cancelled and the Clown Band will take up its traditional role of ending the Fourth of July parade.

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