HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — South Haven continues celebrating its Sesquicentennial and the Fourth of July parade, a tradition for more than 100 years, will include entries reflecting the city’s history.
South Haven’s parade steps off from the high school at 11 a.m. and proceeds through the central business district. Grand Marshal is longtime resident and retired downtown merchant, Jerry Gruber. Recently retired deputy fire chief Tony Marsala will serve as honorary grand marshal, driving the fire services’ vintage 1946 American La France engine.
South Haven — celebrating its Sesquicentennial:.
- The parade’s grand marshal will be longtime resident Jerry Gruber. A retired downtown merchant, Gruber was a member of the organizing committee for the city’s Centennial celebration in 1969.
- Recently retired fire department deputy chief Tony Marsala will serve as honorary grand marshal. He will lead the fire department’s units in the parade by driving its vintage 1946 American La France engine.
- This year’s parade will have a distinct feature with awards to parade entries that reflect the community’s heritage such as best late 1800s clothing attire and best entry reflecting South Haven’s past.
Other events along the Lakeshore on July 4, 2019:
Graafschap
- 6-10 a.m., Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast, Graafschap Fire Department, 4534 60th St, 616.396.5008; Pancakes, sausage, white and chocolate milk, coffee and juice; $5, adults and $2 fpr kids.
Saugatuck
- 2 p.m., Rotary Club’s annual parade, bleachers at Coghlin Park
- 3-5 p.m., Magic by Maciek Biezunski and juggling by Kyle Johnson
- 4-6 p.m.: Magical petting zoo by Fellinlove Farms
- 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Live music by Gratitude Steel Drum & Island Music Band. featuring a limbo contest with prizes for all ages.
- 7:30-9:30 p.m.: Live music by The Real Fantastics, an 8-piece all-genre cover band.
- 9:30-10 p.m.: Fireworks.
Holland
- 6:30 PM-8:30 p.m., street performers along downtown Holland’s Eighth Street
- 10:25 p.m.: Fireworks, Kollen Park, 240 Kollen Park Drive
- Dusk: Fireworks over Lake Michigan, Holland State Park, 2215 Ottawa Beach Rd.
Olive Township
- 7:30-10 a.m., South Olive Christian School’s Annual Fourth of July breakfast, at South Olive Christan School, 6230 120th Ave.; proceeds go to the SOCRC mission team fund.
Grand Haven
- 10:10 p.m. Musical Fountain at the same time as the fireworks, with a patriotic musical accompaniment.
- 10:10 p.m. Fireworks, at Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium. Fireworks are free unless you sit directly at the stadium.
Ferrysburg
- 10:30 a.m. Parade steps off at Ferrysburg City Hall and ends at William Ferry Park. Followed by a flag rising ceremony at the park and a picnic.
