By Meg Peters
Review Co-editor
The Lake Orion Fireworks Association has been working overtime to provide even more events for pyro enthusiasts up until the Morning After Cruise following the night of fireworks.
This year’s slew of events will begin on the Grand Princess cruise ship, which will be dropped into Lake Orion June 26 and tour the lake until July 5.
The grand fireworks celebration on Saturday, July 4 will be even bigger than last year’s celebration, president Carl Cyrowski said, and will be more visible in a new location.
Fireworks will be launched in the larger bay west of the Green’s Park bay where the Lion’s Club shot off their rounds last year.
‘This will be the best show yet because we can shoot 8-inch shells in this location,? he said. ‘They will go up 200 feet higher, with a 150? larger spread and will be able to be seen by more people further away.?
Last year the fireworks show cost $35,000, which Cyrwoski predicts will be in the same ballpark range for this year’s costs. The LOFA is a non-profit organization that depends entirely on community support to fuel the cost of the annual fireworks show.
‘We would like to thank our sponsors and local donors for all of their support. This will be the best show yet because of them.?
Community members can participate this time around in several, fun-filled ways.
Events
June 26, 7 to 11 p.m.
‘TGI Friday Cruise?
Music by ?2 Days Gone? with tunes from the 70’s through today. Food supplied by Chicago Brothers will be served at 6:30 p.m., including mostaccioli, salad and breadsticks. BYOB. $40 per person.
June 27, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.
‘Margaritaville?
Music by ?5 O’Clock Somewhere? with ‘killer Mexican food? provided by 51 North Brewery. Bonus: Lion’s Club fireworks on Lake Orion beginning at 10 p.m. $50 per person.
June 28, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Annual Lake Orion Boat Club Brunch
Every year LOFA hosts this annual brunch at the Lake Orion Boat Club, which has been a staple fundraiser for the fireworks. Free boat shuttle is available from the dock behind the Porrit Lighthouse building. Call for service only on the day of the event?248.693.2900. $12 adults, $6 children under 12, children under 6 free.
June 28, 1 to 3 p.m.
Historical Tour
Enjoy the historical aspects of Lake Orion with a tour provide by the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce. For tickets and details call their office at 248-693-6300 or email info@orionchamber.com. Tickets @25 per person. BYOB.
June 28, 7 to 10 p.m.
Big Band Night
Music by the ‘Stardusters.? Includes a wine tasting and food provided by I RaGazzi Wood Fired Pizza. BYOB. Tickets $40 per person, $35 for seniors. Email Sandy or Tim Black for more information sl1282@hotmail.com, tablack1@sbcglobal.net, or call 248.882.9709.
June 29, 8 to 11 p.m.
First Responder Cruise
Orion Township first responders and their significant others are invited for a free cruise with food and entertainment provided by Old Detroit.
‘You know me, I just thought of it. These people do not get the recognition that they should,? Cyrwoski said.
June 30, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Lake Orion’s Best on the Lake
A cruise dedicated specifically to Lake Orion schools bus drivers and teachers with music provided by ‘The Mark and Jenny Show.? Food will be provided by Parkside Bar and Grill. Contact Ron & Kim Pauloski at ronald822@gmail.com or cell at 248-421-7679 for more information. $25 per person.
July 1, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Military Veterans Cruises
Cruises are donated by LOFA to provide this free event for local area veterans. The afternoon cruise from 2 to 4 p.m. includes food provided by Jet’s Pizza and Culvers. The cruise from 8 to 11 p.m. is sold out, however, will feature the ‘Barry McMinn Band? and food from Sagebrush Cantina, Buffalo Wild Wings and Culvers. BYOB.
July 2, 8 to 11 p.m.
Party of the Starrs & Cutting Edge
Music by ‘CJ with Full Tilt? band. Contact Katherine Levandowski at kate0621@gmail.com or Lisa Starrs via cell at 248 390-9656 for ticket information.
July 3, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Flare Night
Grab your Chinese lanterns for the annual Flare Night, or watch from the Grand Princess cruise. Featured music by ‘The Mark and Jenny Show? at 8 p.m. Food provided by Christi’s Bar and Grille. Tickets $45 per person. BYOB.
July 4, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Fireworks Night’Cruise for a Cause
Sponsored by the Willows Edge Counseling & Art Center, this kid-friendly event includes a great view of the fireworks, a DJ, open mic night, caricatures, henna tattoos, silent auction, a raffle, make and take items and more. Proceeds donated to a worthy cause. Call Karen Smigelski for info at 248.834.0614 or email WillowsEdgeCounseling@gmail.com Tickets $50 per person. BYOB.
July 5, 1 to 4 p.m.
Morning After Cruise
Enjoy a brunch-full of bloody marys and mimosas after a night of fireworks, including a wave runner show performed by Evan Krefski & Friends. Contact Bob and Sally Krefski at skrefski@comcast.net for more information. Tickets $30 each.