Independence Day celebrations across the central Upper Peninsula are prepared to commence this week in Gladstone, Escanaba, Bark River, Manistique, Powers, and Hermansville.

The events in Powers-Spalding and Hermansville are located in the Central Time Zone.

GLADSTONE

On Friday — the fourth itself — Gladstone’s celebration kicks off with the annual Fran Cannon Firecracker Run/Walk, hosted by the Gladstone and Rapid River Kiwanis Club, starting at 8 a.m. on 9th Street and Minneapolis Avenue (across from the State Police post).

This year, the event features the traditional five-mile run, as well as a 2.5-mile walk and an OSF Kids one-mile fun run.

The kid’s fun run begins at 8 a.m.

The registration fee is $35 for runners, $20 for walkers, and $15 for kids.

The race fee includes a t-shirt for all runners and walkers while supplies last.

Trophies will be awarded to the overall female and male runners, with medals presented to the top three finishers in each of the various age categories.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. and will roll down Delta Avenue, 13th Street, and conclude on Lake Shore Drive.

This year’s theme is ‘National Treasure,’ and attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite parade float.

The log rolling competition also begins at 11 a.m. in the lagoon in Van Cleve Park. Music at the ballfield bandstand and festivities in the park will be ongoing from noon, and the fireworks display will take place at dusk.

ESCANABA

On Saturday, July 5, The City of Escanaba is hosting its celebration in Ludington Park. The day will feature a car show, live music, a polka party, a K-9 demonstration, and a Jaws of Life demonstration.

Registration for the car show is from 10 a.m. to noon, with trophies awarded at 3 p.m.

The car show will be held at Ludington Park across from the playground.

The K-9 and Jaws of Life Demonstrations will be held at 2 and 4 p.m.

From 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is providing a Patriotic Polka Party at the Karas Bandshell.

The city band will also perform at the bandshell at 8:30 p.m.

Bounce Houses and arcades will be available to purchase at a small fee.

There will also be several craft and food vendors on site.

The Escanaba Municipal Beach will be open from noon until 7 p.m. with a full staff in place.

Fireworks will begin at dusk.

A rain make-up date is scheduled for Saturday, July 12.

BARK RIVER

Bark River is celebrating on July 4, beginning with a parade at 11 a.m., with a lineup by Ray’s Feedmill. Food and refreshments will be served by the Bark River Lions and Heart of the North Lions at the Bark River Sports Complex starting at noon.

The traditional Bark River-Harris softball game is again part of the day’s events. Other activities include a tug-of-war completion between North and South Bark River, an obstacle course and bounce house for children, music by the Peltier Brothers, a fire department display, and more.

Fireworks begin at dusk.

MANISTIQUE

On Friday, July 4, the annual kiddie parade begins at 6 p.m., with a lineup at 5:30 p.m. from the Post Office on Cedar Street. The celebration continues on Saturday, with the Manistique parade starting at 12:30 p.m. with the lineup at 11:30 a.m.

This year, the parade’s theme is “Waves of Freedom.”

This year’s Grand Marshall is Albert Smith, a 101-year-old US Army Veteran from Germfask.

Floats will be judged in three categories: patriotic, humorous, and judge’s choice.

There will be food booths, as well as art and craft vendors.

The social district is in effect, meaning patrons can grab a drink from participating businesses.

The celebration will conclude at dusk with fireworks. The rain date for fireworks is July 12.

HERMANSVILLE

Hermansville is celebrating on July 5, with the parades beginning at 10:45 a.m. CDT.

There is a kid’s parade beginning at 10:45 a.m., with the main parade starting at 11 a.m. CDT.

Prizes will be awarded for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place best floats, as well as for the best-decorated car, motorcycle, and ORV.

The Sons of American Legion Post 340 sponsors the parade.

In the park, food, beverages, live music, and other festivities sponsored by the William Anderson Sportsman’s Club will be between noon and 6 p.m. CDT. The annual mud runs — truck racing — begin at noon. The Rusty Nuts Car Club accepts registrations for its car and bike show between 8 a.m. and noon and holds the trophy presentation at 3 p.m. CDT. The Thomas St. Onge VVA Museum and the IXL Museum will be open during the day. Hermansville’s fireworks display is scheduled for dusk on Saturday and is sponsored by the Hermansville Fireworks Committee.

POWERS-SPALDING

Fourth of July morning brings a patriotic parade to the Powers-Spalding community at 10:30 a.m. CDT. There will be cash prizes for the best floats.

Activities include a truck pull, a Lions Club gun raffle, a dunk tank, kids games, and a bouncy house. The fishing derby is sponsored by Normenco Sportsman’s Club from noon to 3 p.m.

There will also be live music performed by Cal’s Country Classics. The event is sponsored by the Powers-Spalding Lions Club and the American Legion and Sons Post 244.