The Travel Channel just released their list of favorite small-town Fourth of July celebrations, and Boyne City is #2!
Boyne City’s Fourth of July Festival is a two-day extravaganza filled with nonstop family activities including a festive breakfast, rubber duck race, pie eating contest, and of course, incredible fireworks (we’ve got the full event lineup below). The Northern Michigan festival was only beat by Keystone, South Dakota, the home of Mount Rushmore, on the Travel Channel’s top 10 list. Boyne City was also recognized by USA Today in 2016.
Photos by Michigan Barefoot Memories
Fourth of July Festival Events
Tuesday, July 3
10 a.m.–9 p.m. | Bounce Houses & More, Veteran’s Memorial Park
10 a.m.–5 p.m. | 42nd Annual Waterside Arts & Crafts Show & Food Trucks, Downtown Boyne City Waterfront
1–3 p.m. | Boyne City School All-Class Reunion, Veteran’s Memorial Park Pavilion
1 p.m. | Soap Box Derby Safety School, All Soap Box Derby participants on the Fourth must attend to ensure drivers can operate derby cars safely. Pine St. between Park and East streets.
5–6 p.m. | Early Registration & Packet Pick-up for 42nd Annual Independence Day Run, 28 South Lake St. behind Chamber of Commerce.
Wednesday, July 4
6:30–7:15 a.m. | Registration for 42nd Annual Independence Day Run, 28 South Lake St. behind Chamber of Commerce
7–10 a.m. | Independence Day Breakfast, FOE Eagles Hall 106 River St.
7:30 a.m. | 42nd Annual Independence Day Run: Two Mile and 10K along beautiful Lake Charlevoix. Race starts on Lake St. at the Boyne River and finishes on Front St.
8:30 a.m. | Parade Registration & Lineup, Intersection of Franklin and Park streets
9–9:15 a.m. | Kids Bike & Costume Parade Lineup: Judging is at 9:30 a.m. sharp. Early Education Building Playground on the corner of Main and Park streets.
9 a.m.–12 p.m. | Eagles Auxiliary Hot Dog & Brat Sale, FOE Eagles Hall 106 River St.
9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Bounce Houses & More, Veteran’s Memorial Park
9:30 a.m. | Pre-Parade Entertainment by Eta Nu Clowns & Boyne Area Gymnastics, Downtown Boyne City
10 a.m. | GRAND PARADE – 2018’s Theme “Water Wonderland,” Downtown Boyne City
10 a.m.–5 p.m. | 42nd Annual Waterside Arts & Crafts Show & Food Trucks, Downtown Boyne City Waterfront
10 a.m. | Boyne Valley Garden Club’s Pie Sale, Veteran’s Memorial Park
11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Boyne City Rotary Club’s World Famous Chicken BBQ, Veteran’s Memorial Park Pavilion
11:30 a.m. | Kids Pie Eating Contest sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Boyne City and Family Fare, Veteran’s Memorial Park
12–2 p.m. | Kids Games sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Boyne City, Veteran’s Memorial Park
1–10 p.m. | Live Music, Veteran’s Memorial Park:
- 1–3 p.m. | Northern Nites
- 3–5 p.m. | Sneaky Pete
- 5–7 p.m. | Tribe of Chiefs
- 8–10 p.m. | Krista Javens
2–2:30 p.m. | Raft Race: Raft participants should check-in at Riverside Park on Spring St. by 1:30 p.m. We encourage throwing water, not balloons, in an effort to keep our beautiful river clean and wildlife safe. Boyne River
2:30 p.m. | Boyne Chamber’s 30th Annual Duck Race: Chances to win $1,000, $250, $100 and seven $50 prizes. Purchase $10 tickets at the Chamber of Commerce on 28 South Lake St. Boyne River
3–4:30 p.m. | Soap Box Derby: Single elimination race, $25 per racer which includes a commemorative T-shirt. Contestants must pre-register and attend Derby Safety School on July 3rd at 1 p.m. Intersection of Park and Cedar streets
10:30 p.m. | GRAND FIREWORKS Over Lake Charlevoix: Rain date is July 5th
REMINDERS:
Dogs are not allowed in city parks during festivals and special events.
Handicapped parking is available during the parade on Park Street between Boyne City Hardware and Pat O’Brien Real Estate and also behind Park View Family Dentistry on the corner of Lake and State streets.
Boyne City’s Fourth of July Festival is a 501(c)(3) funded entirely by donations and sponsors and run by volunteers. It receives no tax, city, chamber or grant money. More information can be found at www.boyne4thofjuly.com.