Heat doesn't deter parade goers

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - It's hot. It's the 4th of July. There's parades. There's fireworks. And there's crowds.

Some communities, like Cascade, had early parades. The heat did not stop people from lining the streets to see the fire trucks, floats and flyovers.

Many communities have parades and fireworks planned, but for the first time in Grand Rapids, the fireworks will be set off from two locations - near each other. Both will be visible throughout the downtown area from the pedestrian bridge and the Bridge Street bridge.

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Read: The Declaration of Independence

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Organizers suggest you get downtown early. Police will shut down the area around 8 p.m., with the fireworks set to start around 10:30 p.m. There is additional seating in the north end of Ah Nab Awen Park in the parking lot.

There is also limited handicap-accessible seating and parking for people near the entrance to the Ford Museum, but that fills up quickly. Get there before 8 p.m.

In Grand Rapids, the festivities begin with a parade at 5 p.m. Everything is free.