Constantine Fireworks on the 4th

There's nothing quite like a small town celebration on the 4th of July. A parade where you wave at the participants, not just because they are waving but because you know them. Cookouts with families and kids staying up so late they are almost asleep by the time the fireworks begin.

As dusk begins to gather you slather up the kids with bug spray, grab some blankets, and stake out your favorite spot for a simple, yet beautiful, show. This year, there was added beauty due to a nearly full moon. As the fireworks show continued, the smoke from the fireworks drifted in front of the moon and gave it a reddish hue. See an example of the red moon.

I'll be putting up pictures from the parade later in the week, but here are the rest of the 4th of July photos.

Constantine Fireworks 15, originally uploaded by All Things Michigan.

Video of Paradise, Michigan fireworks show from last year

Paradise, Michigan shows how to finish off a fireworks display in this video taken from the 2007 fireworks show. For those of you who cannot wait for your local displays tonight - here's a little taste.

Happy 4th of July!

Find local fireworks displays in Michigan

Over the weekend while working outside my son and I heard a constant barrage of rumbles and loud bangs from local pyrotechnicians perfecting their craft for the 4th of July. Yes, it's that time of the year again when local dogs run for cover under the porch or in their doghouse and don't emerge until the 4th of July weekend is over. *Important Legal Disclaimer*

Now remember, any firework that explodes or shoots up in the air (other than sparks shooting in the air) is illegal in Michigan so I do not recommend purchasing anything like that for use in Michigan.

*Legal Disclaimer Over*

It is safest to leave it up to the experts and attend a local fireworks display. Plus, other than the donation bucket that makes its way around the crowd - they're a lot cheaper than buying your own meager display.

To find nearly any display of fireworks this 4th of July head on over to MichiganFireworks.com. You can search by date or city. Site creator Meg Geddes has 460 displays listed as of this blog post.

Use this site to easily find a fireworks display near you

Michiganfireworks.com is THE place to find fireworks displays in Michigan. There are currently 446 different displays listed. You can search by 'Date' and by 'City' via a drop-down menu system. Meg Geddes is the gal who created the site and she puts a ton of work into putting all of this information together. Check it out at Michiganfireworks.com.