Weekend Guide: Clawson Fourth of July Offers Fun for All

Sunday will mark the start of two full days of fun in Clawson for the annual Fourth of July celebration. Thousands come out for what many residents say is the highlight of the year for the city. Here's a look at what the Fourth of July committee has planned.

For the children

There will be a carnival Sunday and Monday at City Park with rides, food concessions and games. The midway area will be open from 3-9 p.m. Sunday and from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday. There is a $2 admission fee and tickets required for rides and games. There will be some free attractions from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday, including rock climbing.

For the artists

An Arts and Crafts Fair will take place from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday at City Park. Artists from all over Michigan and beyond will sell hand-crafted items such as jewelry, garden art, furniture and pillow cases.

For the breakfast lovers

The Herb Glenn Memorial Pancake Breakfast will take place from 7-11 a.m. Monday at . The cost is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for children.

For the runners

The Firecracker Mile, beginning at 9 a.m., will precede the Fourth of July parade and will take runners along a flat, paved course starting at the corner of 14 Mile and Crooks. Registration is from 7:45-8:45 a.m. Early attendance is encouraged, as 14 Mile will close around 8:30 a.m. Top finishers will receive generous cash prizes, with medals being awarded to the top 50 men and 50 women. Registration costs $12 (which includes a T-shirt) in advance and $20 on race day.

For the baseball juniors

There will be two Clawson Junior Boys Baseball All Star games Monday at City Park. The first game is at noon for 9- and 10-year-olds. The second game starts at 2 p.m. for 11- and 12-year-olds.

For mother and daughter

There will be a mother-daughter softball game at at 2 p.m. Monday.

A tradition for all

The annual Fourth of July parade will begin at 9 a.m. Monday at the Clawson Shopping Center at 14 Mile and Crooks ending at City Park. The parade will feature 2011 Miss Clawson pageant contestants, bands, politicians, Cub Scouts, Clawson-Troy Junior Optimists, the Detroit Pistons mascot, vintage cars, the Clawson Robotics Club, sports teams, cheerleaders, church floats and more.

The Fourth of July fireworks show will begin at dusk, about 10 p.m., at City Park. Grab your family, friends, sparklers and lawn chairs for a show put on by the pyrotechnics of Hudson, OH-based American Fireworks.

All information was provided by the Clawson Fourth of July Committee.