Fourth of July Festivities: What You Need to Know

The Fourth of July festivities will kick off this morning with a , and the . Here are some things you need to know this morning before heading out the door.

Road Closures

At about 8:30 a.m. Monday, the following roads will be closed for the Fourth of July parade, which starts the Clawson Shopping Center at 14 Mile and Crooks and ends at City Park.

• 14 Mile Road (between Crooks Road and Main Street) 
• Main Street (between 14 Mile and West Elmwood)
• West Elmwood (between Main Street and Bywood)

Parade Viewing

Spectators can watch the parade anywhere along the route, which travels east on 14 Mile, turning north on Main Street and then west on Elmwood. Parade director Debbie Wooley said many people mark their viewing spots early, arriving at about 6 a.m. 

"The shady spots will go first," Wooley said.

An alternate route for Main Street could be Rochester Road, which also runs north and south.

Fireworks Viewing

Most spectators will watch the sky light up Monday evening from City Park, staking their spots hours before dusk. Some people also gather in the parking lot of , next to the park, to watch the fireworks.

Parking

Traffic and parking will be chaotic Monday, particularly before the parade and the fireworks, which attract thousands. Wooley said many people park on the side streets or in the parking lots of closed businesses along 14 Mile and Main Street. But as in any situation, the later you arrive, the farther you will have to walk.