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Firework Safety Message from Port Huron Police Department

A message from the Port Huron Police Department:

Please use caution when celebrating with fireworks this weekend. Fireworks are not to be used at city parks which close at dusk. 

Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Use great caution with sparklers as they burn and get hot enough to burn some metals. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or mishap. 

Other tips from the US Product Safety Commission include: 

  • Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Light fireworks one at a time, then move away from the fireworks device quickly. 
  • Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water, and throw them away. 
  • Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks. 
  • Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone. After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device. 
  • Only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use. 

Unfortunately, in 2021 across the United States, nine (9) deaths were reported from firework usage. The death toll rises when taking into account structure fires caused by fireworks. If injury or death occurs from irresponsible use of fireworks you will be held responsible. 

State law permits consumer fireworks to be used this weekend from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. June 29th through July 4th. Fireworks are not permitted on Tuesday, July 5th this year. 

For an even safer alternative, grab a blanket and a patch of lawn, kick back and let the experts handle the fireworks show. 

The city offers a professional firework show on Family Night, Thursday, July 14, 2022 at the foot of Griswold Street at dusk. Please join us then and have a safe, enjoyable holiday weekend. Happy Independence Day!

Be Mindful of Safety as You Enjoy the Beach

The Fourth of July weekend is a big beach weekend in the Blue Water Area, and around the state.

Planning and awareness are the difference between a happy memory of a day at the beach and a day you’d rather forget. Parents, don’t plan to take a nap or read a book. Watch the kids every second. Even better, get in the water with them.

There are usually no lifeguards on duty on any beaches in the Port Huron area. Safety is up to the swimmer.

Rip currents can happen in the Great Lakes. The American Red Cross says the best way to get out of a current that is pulling swimmers out into the lake is to stay calm and swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current.

Sand bars are areas of shallow water out in the lake that are perfect for playing and relaxing. Sometimes swimmers have to navigate deep water to get to the sand bars; sometimes they don’t.

The sand bars shift with the winds and the waves, so never assume that a sand bar that was easy to get to last time is in the same spot this time.

Have fun at the beach, and have a great Fourth of July weekend.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Fireworks Season is Here! Have Fun and Be Careful

Watching fireworks together is a long-standing tradition for many communities and families. It’s easier than ever to buy fireworks for a backyard or neighborhood show.

Whether you are lighting off fireworks or just running around with a few sparklers, the American Red Cross has some advice. They recommend that fireworks, including sparklers, never be given to small children, and that fireworks never be pointed at people, animals, vehicles, structures, or flammable objects.

A garden hose turned on, or a bucket of water should always be on hand to douse any wayward fireworks.

The person lighting the fireworks should be wearing some kind of eye protection, and fireworks should always be stored in a cool, dry place.

Not everyone loves fireworks. Those with PTSD and many family pets could do without a neighborhood fireworks show. Be mindful.

Always clean up the spent fireworks and dispose of them properly.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to relax at a public professional show. The Blue Water Fest fireworks will be launched at dusk from Desmond Landing on Thursday, July 14th.

Reporting for WGRT -Jennie McClelland

4th at the Fort Event at Fort Gratiot Lighthouse

There are a lot of ways to pass the time on the 4th of July, but there’s only one place where you can ride a pony, tie-dye a shirt, and climb a lighthouse.

Port Huron Museums is hosting a July 4th event at the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. The event includes free pony rides for kids along with time to take in the beautiful grounds and cool breezes at the unique spot where Lake Huron drains into the St. Clair River.

There will also be opportunities to buy sparklers, concessions, and t-shirts for on-sight tie-dying.

For a small fee, a tour of the Lighthouse can be taken, which includes the 94-step trek to the top of the lighthouse, originally constructed in 1829. From the top, the panoramic view of the Blue Water Bridges, Lake Huron, Sarnia, and the Port Huron area is sure to make some 4th of July memories.

The 4th at the Fort event goes from noon to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 4th.

Register on Eventbrite

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sarnia Celebrates Canada Day; Fireworks July 1st at 10 p.m.

The Sarnia Canada Day Committee is planning for a spectacular Canada Day celebration this Friday, July 1st as they get back to an in-person event.

The annual parade kicks off at 11:30 a.m. at Lakeshore and Colborne Streets.

This year’s festivities include an assortment of entertainment at Sarnia’s Canatara Park from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The entertainment includes multicultural and assorted food vendors, a handmade market, activities for children, and circus and hula hoop shows on the stage.

The bandshell with have performances starting at 12:30. Multicultural performances include the Lambton Concert Band, the Sarnia School of Irish Dance, the Scottish Country Dancers, and the Vietnamese Canadian Club.

The entertainment starts at Centennial Park at 6:00 p.m. with Hot Air Balloon Rides, food vendors, and live music from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The fireworks show begins around 10:00 with fireworks being launched off the bay.

https://www.sarnia.ca/play/city-signature-events/canadaday/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

“Faith and Family on the Plaza” Brings Concerts to McMorran Plaza on Sunday Evenings

The McMorran Plaza in Downtown Port Huron has something for everyone. Operation Transformation is hosting the “Faith and Family on the Plaza” concert series on Sunday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The concerts will be faith-based with this Sunday’s performance from the Port Huron Assembly of God, and the next week from the musical group, “Prodigal Redemption”.

The concert series started last week and runs through August 28th.

While Casey’s on the Plaza will not be open on Sunday nights, there will be concessions available. Concert-goers will need to bring their own seating.

Operation Transformation is a Port Huron faith-based non-profit organization whose purpose is to bring positive changes to the Blue Water Area. OT collaborates with local churches and non-profits to help the community.

Families are invited to come out to the brand new McMorran Plaza and enjoy a relaxing night of positive music.

Schedule

June 26th ~ Life In Christ Fellowship

July 3rd ~ Port Huron Assembly of God

July 10th ~ Prodigal Redemption

July 17th

July 24th ~ Rejoice 

July 31st ~ Reaching Across

August 7th ~ Kingdom Empowerment 

August 14th ~ Life In Christ Fellowship 

August 21st ~ Blue Water Free Methodist 

August 28th ~ Living Note

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland