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Gun Lake Fireworks

Fireworks are normally held on Gun Lake the nearest Sat. to the 4th of July with a rain date the following day. This day is chosen so that the most possible lake residents can be on hand for the show, as many are part-timers and leave during the week. For 2020 that Sat. actually falls on the 4th. Should the governor cancel fireworks shows due to Covid concerns the GLPA has reserved Sat. Sept. 5 Labor Day weekend as a backup plan.

Fireworks begin at dark. Please note, the first 3 large shells (the BOOMS) shot in our show are provided by special donations as a MEMORIAL to honor all those who have served, and as a remembrance of those who have passed on (not just military, but our relatives and neighbors). We follow the opening BOOMS with a moment of silence before the exciting main show begins.

History

Since its formation in the 1920s, the GLPA has presented a Fourth of July Fireworks Show as a community celebration of patriotism. For many years GLPA Board members and volunteers organized the show, purchasing the fireworks and shooting the shells themselves.
In the mid 1980s The GLPA Board decided to expand and improve the Fireworks by hiring Wolverine Fireworks Company to bring professional expertise and safety. But Board members and volunteers are still highly involved. They get all necessary permits and approvals, make safety arrangements, clear the shoot side on Murphy's Point at Yankee Springs State Park, haul needed equipment to the point by boat on the day of the shoot, and assist in removing everything Off the shoot site by boat after the show. It is a big project, and some of the same volunteers have been doing it for decades!

Funding and Partners

At times in the past some members have expressed concerns over the cost of the show, wondering if the funds raised could be better spent on other projects for the lake. The GLPA has surveyed the membership several times and each time the response has been overwhelming to continue the fireworks. One GLPA Board member commented, "Where else could so many people be so wonderfully inspired and entertained for the price?"  

Generous donations by a large number of members have always funded the shows we have all enjoyed over the years. There is a perception that perhaps a ‘few deep pockets’ or ‘some sponsor(s)’ provide the funds, but that is not true. Hundreds of lake residents and others give generously in addition to their dues to make the fantastic fireworks shows possible. The more given, the better the shows! Your donations are essential to maintain the continued quality of our Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration.

The GLPA Would like to express its appreciation to all those who make this event such a success. Thank you! We also want to thank all the partners who make our Fourth of July Fireworks shows possible:

• Yankee Springs State Park/DNR and its employees
• Barry County Sheriff's Patrol
• Wayland Fire Department
• Our area emergency response teams and their equipment
• Our Eastern Gun Lake Shore Residents Ring of Fire show of red flares
• The orderly seamanship of all those viewing the fireworks from their boats.
• And most of all, you, who faithfully support the GLPA because you love Gun Lake!