Amway Family Fireworks Primer

The Amway Family Fireworks are Saturday at Ah-Nab-Awen Park next to Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and the Grand Rapids Public Museum along the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids.

Activities, including music, entertainment, food, family-friendly fun and more, run from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m., with the fireworks going off at 10:30 p.m.

Here's a primer to help you attend and enjoy the Fourth of July event, with the title sponsor being Ada-based Amway. See you there.

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Ah-Nab-Awen Park, Grand Rapids, Saturday, July 1st

(Admission: Free)

• 5:45 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies
• 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. -- Family Zone
• 6:00 p.m. – 338th Army Band
• 7:00 p.m. – Upstage Crew Blues Band
• 8:00 p.m. -- DJ Composition
• 9:00 p.m. – Hey Marco!

Food vendors

For your dining pleasure, two food vendors are on site during Amway Family Fireworks: Majoor's Concessions and VHF Concessions.

Parking and traffic

Please note parking will be at a premium, particularly at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum; and there is no parking available at Ah-Nab-Awen Park.  Give yourself plenty of time to park and make your way safely to the park. Please note that Bridge and Pearl streets are to be closed at 8 p.m. to automobile traffic because of the fireworks and the evening's festivities. In addition, the Gillett Bridge, which spans the Grand River between Ah-Nab-Awen Park and DeVos Hall, is closed to all foot traffic on July 4 because it is where the fireworks display will be launched from.

Staying safe, keeping civil

You may bring into the park blankets and beach towels, tarps, lawn chairs, personal-size umbrellas, cameras, cell phones, binoculars, water bottles, baby strollers, wagons, food, flashlight, bug repellent and coolers. However, no alcohol is allowed at the park or event; and all items brought into the park are subject to inspections because of the public nature of the gathering. Also, report any suspicious activities to law enforcement and authorities. Dogs are also not allowed in the park during the festivities.

Etiquette

Please be thoughtful when setting up lawn chairs that you try not to block others’ views; try not to smoke cigarettes in close proximity to others – especially children; be thoughtful while navigating through crowds to ensure the safety of those who may be unsteady on their feet or those transporting children in strollers or wagons.