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East Express | July 1, 2021

A NOTE FROM MAYOR FAVALE

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

Let me be the first to wish you and yours a very happy July 4th!  

Independence Day is a time to be grateful for and celebrate our freedoms and I personally am thankful for so much — especially this year. Coming out of the pandemic, our community continues to operate successfully and flourish — and we can once again celebrate together! Gatherings with family and friends, fireworks, barbeques and all things we missed last year, can finally be enjoyed without risking health or safety — a wonderful privilege and celebration in and of itself! 

As we look forward to the weekend ahead and prepare to celebrate our nation’s 245th birthday, I want to thank everyone involved in EGR’s upcoming festivities. A special thank you to City staff and all of our wonderful volunteers for making these fun and special events possible.  

I wish you all a wonderful and safe holiday weekend with loved ones. Enjoy time together once again and thank you for giving me the pleasure of serving as your mayor.  

All the best,  

Katie

4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY SPECTRUM HEALTH 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 

Join us on Independence Day for three main events! Kick off the celebration at the 11th Annual Reeds Lake Trail Blazer 5K Run/Walk, then watch the City-wide parade as it passes through your neighborhood and finally join us for a fireworks show over Reeds Lake after sunset. 

8:30 a.m.                    Trail Blazer 5K Run/Walk                  Community Center 

11 a.m.–noon             Parade                                              City-wide (see map at link below)

Dusk/9 p.m.                Fireworks                                          Over Reeds Lake 

During this transitional period, these events will allow the community to celebrate America’s birthday while staying safe. A special thank you to our title sponsor, Spectrum Health, for making this celebration possible. The City continues to follow CDC, State and local COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. 

More details at eastgr.org/4thofjuly. Contact Parks & Recreation at 616.949.1750 with any questions.  

REEDS LAKE TRAIL BLAZER PRESENTED BY SPECTRUM HEALTH  

There’s still time to register for the Reeds Lake Trail Blazer! Online registration ends at noon on Saturday, July 3. We’re also looking for volunteers to help direct traffic, pass out water and cheer on the participants. Learn more, register to race and sign up to volunteer at reedslaketrailblazer.com.   

As a reminder, packet pickup will only occur between 6:45 and 8 a.m. on Sunday. Take a look at the course map to know which roads will be closed during the race between 8:15 and 10 a.m.  

We’d like to thank our title sponsor, Spectrum Health, and supporting sponsors, Varnum, Grand Wealth Advisors and Andrew Norden Realtor, for making this race possible. Thanks to them, we’ve been able to bring this fan-favorite event and 4th of July kick-off back every year for the past 11 years.    

All proceeds from the event will benefit the East Grand Rapids Community Foundation. View this event on Facebook.  

FIREWORKS IN EGR 

Please note fireworks are permitted in EGR between June 29 and July 4 until 11:45 p.m. per Michigan law. They are prohibited on public, church, school or private property without express permission from the property owner or a permit from the City.  

If you choose to celebrate the 4th of July by setting off fireworks, please be courteous toyour neighbors. The loud noises and flashing lights are a PTSD trigger for many veterans and also frighten many animals. 

Take a look at our officers’ safety tips for best practices and more information.  

ROAD CLOSURES 

Both the Trail Blazer and the parade will necessitate road closures in EGR throughout the morning and early afternoon of the 4th. Residents and community members can prepare by reviewing the Trail Blazer course map and the parade course map. 

BOATING ON REEDS LAKE 

The boat launch will be closed on July 4 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and 8-11 p.m. for the City-wide parade and the fireworks show. Please keep this in mind as you plan your day. 

PARK RULES 

Did you know that alcohol and fireworks — including sparklers — are prohibited on EGR public parks and school properties? We enforce these rules to keep City events family-friendly and enjoyable for everyone. Please note that dogs must be held on a leash not exceeding six feet in length and controlled by their owner at all times. Owners are also responsible for cleaning up after their own pets. 

Visit eastgr.org/recreation to view all our park rules and regulations.  

CITY HALL CLOSURE & COMMISSION MEETING UPDATE 

Please note City Hall will be closed on Monday, July 5 in observance of Independence Day. The July 5 City Commission meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, July 6 at 6 p.m. due to this closure. 

LIBRARY HOURS 

Our KDL branch will be closed on Sunday, July 4 and Monday, July 5. Visit kdl.org for more information. 

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