Celebrating our nation’s Independence Day through the archives today. We begin with fireworks from Mother Nature in 2002. Donn de Yampert captured this display over Little Bay de Noc, in Lake Michigan. That’s a good place for lightning to strike, rather than on land.

Ashlee Harvey brings us a unique look at the Stars and Stripes, back in 2007. It looks great spread out with what must have been a light breeze, just enough to open it up to a perfect presentation of Old Glory.

We wind up our Independence archive photos with a shot from Brian Rendel, taken in 2012. An outstanding extravaganza of light surrounding the Portage Lift Bridge, while fireworks are bursting overhead.

The video clip is from a year ago, when TV6 covered the 4th of July festivities in Lake Linden, that actually begin on the 3rd, with activities in the park and fireworks, then the parade, kid’s races and activities on the 4th. One of the folks interviewed said it best, I thought...he mentioned that he “...doesn’t know anything different...”. Having grown up in Lake Linden, I haven’t ever known anything different than the celebration Lake Linden puts on! Kudos to our Fire Department for pulling it all together!

These hometown holiday events are the best. As a kid over 50 years ago, in my Mom's home town of Belding MI, I remember the American Legion putting on a big bash but always over Labor Day. I never knew all the details (I was a little kid) but they built a public jail (it was just a big cage). People would get put in there for doing (or not doing) certain things I guess. Then they had to buy their way out with a donation. I remember that it kinda scared me. Maybe that was the ulterior point.

Happy Fourth everyone.

D. A. (Midwested):
"These hometown holiday events are the best. …"

Aren't they? So many small towns — especially in da UP — sure do get into the spirit!

I hope all the pasty folks had a great Forth of July (Okay, Independence Day!) holiday!

Here's wishing you all a happy and safe
Independence Day!

Great pictures and fun to hear about Lake Linden's
celebration. I also live in one of the most
celebrated 4th of July towns here in MN. It
starts about 5 days before the 4th with the
carnival coming to town and ends on the 4th of
July with a free concert by one of the local bands
out here and a fabulous fireworks display.

Hope everybody had a safe and happy Independence
Day!

My husband and I were so lucky to spend the 4th of July
(Independence Day) in Ishpeming. Our grandchildren rode on the
float for Faith Lutheran/Trinity Lutheran, the bands played and the
floats rolled by. How nice to see people united to celebrate the day.
My other favorite 4th of July parade is the one in South Range. I
remember attending the parades there as a child--playing games
and watching my cousins march by in their band.

We used to March in the South Range
parade. So much fun.