Kelly Conley (Back Row - Center) along with Friends & Family
Celebrate Independence Day Weekend Near Vet's Park in Bay City
(MyBayCity Photos By Julie McCallum)

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Thousands Gather in Bay City For Fireworks Celebration Tradition

Fireworks are in Bay City's History

July 4, 2011
By: Julie McCallum, Entertainment Editor

For many, the Bay City Fireworks Festival is a time for traditions.

Family and Friends get together and celebrate the birth of our country. Thousand flocked to Bay City for the 49th Annual Fireworks Festival, for a fireworks finale spectacular.

According to Doug Clark, President of the Bay City Fireworks Festival, the first fireworks were shot off in Bay City in the Summer of 1962 by members of the F.O.P. (Fraternal Order of Police) and continued to grow from there.

Twenty years later, in 1982, the small group of organizers decided it was time to add something more to the celebration. This was when the Bay City Fireworks Festival was born, adding entertainment and carnival rides to the fireworks.

Each year, larger and larger crowds showed up to enjoy the festive atmosphere and the spectacular fireworks displays. When the cost became too much to continue, the business community was asked to step up and help to support this economic boom of tourism to the city, and step up they did.

Today the Bay City Fireworks Festival receives tremendous support from the local businesses as they realize the important economic impact that an event of this size delivers to the community.

Clark and organizers are already looking forward and beginning to plan the 2012 Fireworks Festival which will be the 50th anniversary. Contribution, whatever the size, will help put together the most amazing fireworks displays seen in Michigan.

Donations can be sent to:
BAY CITY FIREWORKS FESTIVAL
P.O. BOX 873
BAY CITY, MI 48707-0873

(A $250.00 donation (or more) will include a limited edition print complete with a gold frame)