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Independence Day

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Thousands Call on Governor to Repeal Fireworks Act

West Bloomfield man leading petition effort, saying the danger is not worth the additional revenue.

Thousands in Michigan this summer are still making noise about the additional noise as a result to easier access to fireworks. West Bloomfield resident Brad Lang is among them and is soliciting support from residents across the state to repeal the Fireworks Safety Act of 2011, which was designed to increase revenue to the state and encourage citizens to buy consumer fireworks in Michigan rather than in neighboring states. "The result has been a drastic increase in the amount and violence of private fireworks displays all over the state of Michigan, thereby endangering people, pets and property. It is not worth the additional revenue," Lang wrote in a letter to members of the Michigan civic action group, MoveOn, adding that is why he …

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Sabrina-Royal Oak

10:46 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012

I should not have to move because of idiot morons with no brains. I just went up north to my property there and it was the same racket, only the neighbor paid the people a visit and then so did the police, there are better ways to make revenue and loud rude ill mannered people should be stopped   more ›

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Welcome Back from the Holiday! Come See What You Might Have Missed

Here's a primer to catch you up on what went down in Bloomfield-area news during the Fourth of July weekend.

You made it back! Whether you traipsed up north without a reliable Internet connection or reveled in being "unplugged" for the holiday, Patch provides some newsy and interesting reads that you might have missed. Hundreds turned out for the annual Birmingham Fireworks Show on a breezy, somewhat overcast night Sunday. Sunset was followed by an explosion of color as the fireworks show kicked off at 10 p.m. and went on for about an hour without a hitch. Just in time for the watercooler conversations today: We shared our fun Fourth of July facts — some of which you probably knew at some point and others that are just fun to think about. Were you among the masses who spent $3.2 million on imported American flags last year or, more likely, among …

Monday, July 4, 2011

Viewfinder: Birmingham's Fireworks Light Up the Sky at Lincoln Hills

The City of Birmingham's annual fireworks show was a hit with the large crowd in and around Lincoln Hills Golf Course.

The annual Birmingham Fireworks Show attracted a large, enthusiastic crowd from Birmingham and other metro Detroit communities. It was a pleasant, somewhat overcast night, with a cool breeze. As the sun set, the crowd was treated to subtle changes in the color of the sky, followed by an explosion of color as the fireworks show kicked off at dusk.

Fourth of July Facts and Figures

Facts and Figures related to the nation's Independence Day.

2.5 million: The number of people living in the newly independent United States in July 1776. 311.7 million: The estimated population of the United States on July 4, 2011. $3.2 million: The dollar value of U.S. imports of American flags in 2010. $2.8 million: The amount in dollars of American flags made in in China in 2010. $486,026: The dollar value of U.S. flags exported in 2010. Mexico was the leading customer, purchasing $256,407 worth. $302.7 million: The annual dollar value of shipments of fabricated flags, banners and similar emblems by the nation's manufacturers, according to the latest published economic census data.  $190.7 million: The value of fireworks imported from China in 2010, representing the bulk of all U.S. fireworks …

Hot Dog Fever Sweeps the Nation, Local Grocers Stock Up for Holiday Weekend

Hot dog sales plump over the Fourth of July weekend, with an estimated 150 million frankfurters to be eaten by Monday evening.

What will stretch from Washington, DC, to Los Angeles more than five times this Fourth of July?  If you guessed the number of hot dogs Americans will consume over the holiday weekend, you would be correct. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council estimates about 150 million hot dogs will be grilled and devoured by the time the last sparkler has fizzled out Monday. To be ready for this annual demand, grocers in the area have been stocking up. Greg Fowler, a meat clerk at Kroger at Maple and Coolidge, said while there is always a steady market for dogs, summer months definitely show higher sales. He said Oscar Mayer brands are best-sellers in his store, but he noted that Troy shoppers prefer the bun-size variety over any other dog on the …

Crispy Adventures

2:53 am on Monday, July 4, 2011

Hot dog toppings have become a new way of culinary expression. No wonder everyone is looking for the next craze. Onion Crunch might be it. I found these crispy, fried onions to be an irreplacable condiment in Denmark. To my surprise, I couldn't find anything similar in the land that views the hot dog as its national food. Only recently did I discover Onion Crunch (it has just hit the markets). …   more ›

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Get Out: Independence Day Weekend Edition

From fireworks to a Scottish festival, there really is something for everyone this week.

It’s Thursday, and this weekend, the nation will be celebrating the Fourth of July — what will you be doing? Bloomfield Patch has compiled these best bets for this weekend:

Fireworks for the 4th: What's Legal and What's Safe?

A handy guide to Bloomfield area and state regulations with tips to ensure you don't get burned or ticketed this Independence Day.

The fireworks are to the Fourth of July what evergreen trees are to Christmas: an absolute must–but also a safety hazard if not used properly. The Michigan Bureau of Fire Services warns that though beautiful, fireworks can be dangerous. "Fireworks can quickly turn a Fourth of July celebration into a tragedy when children and adults are injured while using fireworks,” said Michigan State Fire Marshal Ronald R. Farr. “For all the fun and excitement of fireworks, they account for an increasingly large number of injuries and fires that are preventable when proper and strict safety measures are taken.” Farr recommends attending professional fireworks displays, rather than trying to create them at home. But if you must, here’s a sampling of some…

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Need to Know: 4th of July Fireworks

There are plenty of options to catch some fireworks in and around our Patch communities.

Though neither Bloomfield Township or Bloomfield Hills organize their own fireworks show during Independence Day weekend, there are plenty of options to catch some 4th of July light shows in and around our Patch communities. Following is a list of fireworks displays, some of which are part of larger festivals and activities. All fireworks begin at dusk, which is generally shortly after 10 p.m. There is no admission fee unless otherwise stated. For a printable map of this year's fireworks, CLICK HERE. Festival of the Hills When: Family games and live entertainment start at 6 p.m., fireworks start at 10:06 p.m. Where: Borden Park, 1400 E. Hamlin Rd., Rochester Hills More information: Call 248-841-BOOM or visit www.rochesterhills.org   Red …

Clint S

12:38 pm on Thursday, June 30, 2011

According to the Sylvan Lake City website THE fireworks display at Sylvan Lake is on July 3, and is the same as the Oakland County Boat Club Fireworks which this story shows happening on July 4. Copied from the website: Oakland County Boat Club Fireworks July 3rd, raindate July 9th. There will be no parking on or along any street from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight on July 3rd, 2011 as posted. This…   more ›

Pyrotechnics Celebrate Traditions Beyond July Fourth

West Bloomfield Township pyrotechnicians Leslie Gold and Jason Trudeau set off spectacular displays not only to celebrate the holiday, but also to celebrate their roots.

As American as apple pie, fireworks displays are a beloved tradition as the nation celebrates Independence Day. But along with the holiday comes another annual tradition — police and fire safety officials asking residents to back away from using illegal fireworks: “Hands off, kids. Leave that to the professionals.” Who are those professionals? What ignites them to become licensed to shoot off fireworks in West Bloomfield Township? For two men, the passion for pyrotechnics is not driven by financial gain; rather, it has to do with patriotism, family and even religion. Jason Trudeau of White Lake describes his company, Gen-X Pyrotechnics, as “the new generation.” As July 4 draws near, it’s easy to see why he takes his work seriously. Gen-X …

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