Patriotism is alive and well here in Ludington, Michigan, as demonstrated in the annual Freedom Festival, held every year since 1874. Sponsored by the Ludington Area Jaycees, this event is one of the few great July 4th festivals still in existence in Michigan.

Children's and Pet Parade
The fun begins July 3rd around 6pm with the Children's and Pet Parade in downtown Ludington. Local children decorate their wagons or bikes, and even try to dress the family pet in red, white, and blue. Categories are Most Creative, Most Original, Most Patriotic, and Best Costume. It's a great kick-off to the holiday, and so much fun to watch. Line-up is at the corner of Ferry and Loomis.

July 4th Parade
The big Freedom Festival Parade gets underway July 4th at 1:45pm and features floats, bands, politicians, local residents, and of course, the Scottville Clown Band. Thousands line Ludington Avenue to watch this hometown parade as they march downtown, all sharing the warmth and excitement of our nation's birthday.

Fireworks
What would July 4th be without fireworks, and Ludington doesn't disappoint its residents or visitors. Starting around dusk (approximately 10:30pm), pick your favorite "viewing" site, such as Stearns Beach or Waterfront Park, and enjoy the show. Basically, anywhere you see water, you'll see the fireworks. Most people make an evening of it, arriving early to picnic or let the kids enjoy their sparklers. The colorful 20-minute display delights the crowd watching on land and on boat. It's the perfect ending to this annual celebration. Click here for more information on other firework displays in the area.

Arts & Crafts Fair
Held in conjunction with the Freedom Festival, the West Shore Art Fair is open Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm in the City Park. It's a shopper's paradise with one-of-a-kind paintings, jewelry, photographs, clothing, handmade items and more. Approximately six weeks later in the same location, the Gold Coast Artisan Fair comes to town, featuring some different vendors than the July event.

Ludington's Freedom Festival--a celebration of our nation's birthday--and a time to honor those who have fought and died to provide freedom for all.

This event is part of Ludington's Harbor Festival, to be held June 28-July 7.

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More Summer Events in Ludington...

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For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in West Michigan:

Ludington Activities & Things to Do -- Take a tour at Historic White Pine Village or Amber Elk Ranch--Ludington offers many fun things to do for the entire family!
Have Fun in Manistee, Michigan -- Explore Manistee's historic downtown district and riverwalk, hike the Manistee National Forest, canoe on the Manistee River, and more.
Hamlin Lake -- Just 4 miles north of Ludington, Hamlin Lake is a great destination for boating, fishing and climbing dunes! The Hamlin Lake shoreline is also part of the Ludington State Park.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes -- Visiting the Silver Lake Sand Dunes makes for a terrific vacation because you can take your off-road vehicle for a spin on the scenic sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.
Things to Do in Pentwater, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like the quaint, artsy, harbortown village of Pentwater. Don't miss the popular Charles Mears State Park beach on Pentwater's Lake Michigan shoreline.
Lots of Activities in Scottville, Michigan -- Explore the Riverside Park along the National Scenic Pere Marquette River.
Canoeing or Fishing on the Pere Marquette River -- Many boat liveries offer canoe rentals.
Also, check out West Michigan Guides and our locally produced West Michigan Business Directory for our largest lists of Things to Do in West Michigan.