SOUTH BEND – If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate the holidays this year, look for local events. Holiday events in the region include:
INDIANA
• Elkart — Ruthmere is participating in the Blue Star Museum program and is offering free admission to all active duty soldiers and their families on July 3rd. Each visitor will receive a complimentary patriotic souvenir or experience a special activity appropriate to the occasion. Ruthmere is located at 302 E. Beardsley Ave. Guided tours take place at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m
• Elkart — Visit Elkhart Parks and Recreation for free music and fireworks. The 1985 will perform on the Central Green Stage, 300 S. Main St. on July 2nd at 8pm, followed by fireworks after dark.
• Knox – Family Fun Day and Fireworks Show will be held on July 2nd. The parade begins at 1:00 p.m., gates at Wythogan Park, 101 W. Washington St., open at 2:00 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. (all times are CDT). Activities for all the family with games, activities, food, music and a beer garden.
• Lakeville — Fourth of July Celebrations in Newton Park on July 4th, 801 N. Michigan St. Gates open at 7:00 p.m. with a free Cook & Belle concert at 8:00 p.m. followed by fireworks at 10:00 p.m . Smoking, alcohol, cool boxes and pets are not permitted. Discounts available for purchase.
• Laporte — The Kiwanis Club of LaPorte is hosting the Run for Riley 5K Run/Walk on July 4th. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. CDT, the run begins at 8:30 a.m. CDT. The route is an easy round trip walk along Lincolnway Avenue prior to the start of the parade. Register online by July 3 at: runsignup.com/Race/IN/LaPorte/KiwanisRunforRiley. The cost is $25. A portion of the proceeds will go to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.
• Laporte — 76th Annual LaPorte Parade, July 4 Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of LaPorte, July 4, 10:00 am CDT. Following the traditional route in Uptown LaPorte, she will continue west along the Lincolnway from Tipton Street to Andre Avenue. This year’s theme is “American Proud. LaPorte pride.”
• Mishawaka – Fourth Annual Independence Day Celebration, July 2, 3:00 p.m. in Central Park, 235 E. Mishawaka Ave. Live music, children’s games and activities, food, vendors, crafts and fireworks at dusk.
• New Paris — Head to New Paris Speedway, 16806 County Road 46, on July 2 for a Celebration of Independence Night of Destruction and Fireworks. Boxes and gates open at 3pm and races start at 6pm. Children under 5 years are free. Pit Passes: $30.
• North Freedom – Celebrate America Parade on July 4th at 2pm downtown. The fireworks start at dusk.
• Shipshewana — Shipshewana Flea Market has an extended holiday market schedule from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 4-6. The flea market is located at 345 S. Van Buren St.
• South Bend – Celebrate the Fourth of July at Four Winds Field, 501 W. South St. and watch the Cubs play the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at 7:05 p.m., followed by fireworks. Tickets: $16-$14.
• Syracuse — Lake Wawasee Fireworks, 1116 S. Harkless Drive. 10:15 p.m. July 2nd. Fireworks in the middle of the lake, views from the shore or from a boat. Tune into Willie 103.5 FM for synchronized music.
• Walkerton – “Only in America” parade on July 4th at 7pm. Begins at Urey Middle School and ends at John Glenn High School, 201 John Glenn Drive where the fireworks will begin at dusk. Discounts available.
MICHIGAN
• Berrien sources – July 4 Pickle Festival on the History Center grounds at Courthouse Square, 313 N. Cass St. There will be a pancake and sausage breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The festival runs from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is a 4th of July parade. From 5pm to 10pm, the Star Spangled Street Dance will be held at 85 Legion Post, 112 N. Bluff St., admission fee US$5 for children 13 and older, and there will be a community fireworks display after dark.
• Kassopolis – Diamond Lake Fireworks, 10:30 p.m., July 2 (wind/rain delay date is July 3).
• Widow – Freedom Fireworks Annual Event, July 1 at dusk. Sponsored by Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac. Fireworks will be off at the airport, with public viewing at Russom Park, the Dowagiac Armory, the field near the fire department, the high school parking lots, and the surrounding area. Bring blankets and chairs to enjoy this free family fun. donations accepted. Rain date is July 3rd.
• Galien — The Fourth of July parade begins on July 4 at 11 a.m.
• New buffalo – Independence Day fireworks over Lake Michigan from 10:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on July 2 at Lions Park, 612 Marquette Drive.
• Nils – The fireworks display begins at dusk at 9:30 p.m. at the Apple Festival Grounds, 1740 Lake St. There is a $5 donation for those who park on site.
• St. Joseph – The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra will present its annual Independence Day Concert and fireworks on July 3 at the Shadowland Pavilion, Silver Beach County Park, 101 Broad St. Bring a beach chair or blanket. Discounts available. No food or drink may be brought into the park. In the event of rain, the concert will be held at the St. Joseph High School Auditorium, 2521 Stadium Dr. Admission is at 7:30 p.m., performance at 8:30 p.m. Buy tickets at smso.org. Cost: $35-$10.