www.mybaycity.com July 8, 2012
Events Article 7148
Sponsored by Last Choice Country


Photo Courtesy of John Bellsmith

VIP Treatment For Bay City Fireworks

Front Row Seats For The Show

July 8, 2012
By: Diane Szczepanski


What began as a dream back in 1962 for Don Felske and other members of the FOP, has evolved into one of, if not THE, most impressive fireworks displays in the state of Michigan.

According to Don, before I-75 highway was even built, vacation goers, passed through Bay City on M-13 or one of the other interstate highways, to head north.

Citizens wanted to find a way to keep people and subsequently, their spending dollars, in Bay City. Thus, a grass roots effort was born.

Don remarked, "Bay Cityans would donate money to the FOP for the festival". He added, "This is way back when we would open up Lafayette bridge to 3 lanes of traffic and direct tourists from all over".

Suffice to say, with Don's leadership and Terry Watson's turn at the helm, the Bay City Fireworks has grown enormously and continues to draw thousands from around Michigan and neighboring states.

The VIP tents, located on the river, near Doubletree, offered businesses a chance for festival goers to enjoy the show with premium seating, good food, a variety of beverages and nearby restrooms.

Thank you, to ALL the volunteers who make this festival as great as it is. Here's looking forward to the 2013 display already!


Left, Terry Watson, known as "Mr. Fireworks" for 32 years, with the original
spearhead of the Bay City Fireworks, back in 1962, Don Felske.

Photo by Diane Szczepanski
© MyBayCity.com



From left, Terry Watson, Pat Felske, Don Felske and
their son Jon Felske, who came from Muskegon to view the Bay City show.

Photo by Diane Szczepanski
© MyBayCity.com



'High 5 Guy', from Mio, MI, Neil Sauter
Photo by Diane Szczepanski
© MyBayCity.com



City Manager, Robert Bellman with daughter Evelyn
Photo by Diane Szczepanski
© MyBayCity.com



Just some of the many people who make the Fireworks Festival happen.
Board members Doug Clark and Kim Sibert

Photo by Diane Szczepanski
© MyBayCity.com



Neil and Magen Samyn
Photo by Diane Szczepanski
© MyBayCity.com



From left, Riley Cunningham, Laken Rivet and Ella Stone
Photo by Diane Szczepanski
© MyBayCity.com



Bay City Mayor, Chris Shannon with daughter Sydney
Photo by Diane Szczepanski
© MyBayCity.com



From left, Gavin, Zach and Laura Goetz, with Jim and Angie Kirsch and Kennedy.
Photo by Diane Szczepanski
© MyBayCity.com



Robert and Lori Gaul, from Standish, MI, staked out their spot in the VIP tent at 3pm to enjoy premium seats.
Photo by Diane Szczepanski
© MyBayCity.com



Earl Bovia, owner of Dine By Design catering with helper Matt Lance. Dine By Design provided all the food for the VIP tents all weekend and did a great job keeping up with hungry festival goers.
Photo by Diane Szczepanski
© MyBayCity.com



From left, Lynn Stamiris, Sheila Stamiris, Willy Rummel, Annette Rummel and John Bender
Photo by Diane Szczepanski
© MyBayCity.com



Ginger Drzewicki with LeAnn Bruzewski, volunteered their time in the VIP tents
and helped direct guests to the proper areas.

Photo by Diane Szczepanski
© MyBayCity.com



Garen and Dawn Hallwood, with son, Cooper
Photo by Diane Szczepanski
© MyBayCity.com



Left, Gavin Goetz, Director-External Affairs at at&t Michigan headed up the at&t VIP tent, with Jim Murray, right, President of at&t Michigan and Jack.
Photo by Diane Szczepanski
© MyBayCity.com




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