A full weekend of Independence Day fun is planned for the Fourth of July in Clarkston.
The Independence parade begins at 10 a.m., Thursday, at St. Daniel’s Church, east down Miller Road, south on Ortonville Road, then onto Waldon Road to Clarkston United Methodist Church. Parade organizers are the Clarkston Area Optimists, Clarkston Lions Club, Clarkston Knights of Columbus, Independence Township and the City of the Village of Clarkston.
Festivities continue in Clintonwood Park with a carnival, veteran recognition, music, and fireworks.
The carnival is new this year ? rides will run from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, July 4-6.
Activities on July 4 include the Toddler Zone, open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., with trackless train and inflatables, socks available for $1 and tickets sold until 9 p.m.; Renee Przybylski Memorial Spraypark, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., $2 donation; Craft Show, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., with nearly 100 Michigan based artists and crafters.
Entertainment on two stages includes TJ Craven, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Cirque Amongus, 12 p.m.; Veteran’s Celebration, 12:30 p.m.; Michigan Fifth Regiment performance, 1:30-2:30 p.m.; Raft, formally known as Third Rock: 1-1:30 p.m. and 2:30-3 p.m.; 7 Million Jigawatts, 4-7 p.m.; and Motor City Soul, 8-10 p.m.
Military Museum, with memoribilia donated by local veterans, will be in the Carriage House from 11 a.m. -3 p.m..
Food, available for purchase all day long, includes pulled pork sandwiches, hamburgers, Greek pitas, hand dipped ice cream, fudge, and roasted almonds. Attendees can also bring their own picnic, coolers allowed, but no glass or alcohol.
The fourth is set to end with a 30-minute fireworks show, launched from the hill on Everst Academy property. Rain date is July 5. No personal fireworks permitted.
For more information, check www.independencefest.org., text “July4” to 57780, or call 248-625-8223.