Thousands of people are expected to flock to South Haven for the Fourth of July weekend and if you're planning on packing a cooler for the beach, leave the alcohol and speakers at home.
Police will be out patrolling and have been preparing for the big weekend.
Light Up the Lake returns to South Haven on July 3, after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"When they shoot them out over the water, it’s kind of special, versus being in town," South Haven tourist Scott Nemeth said.
The city of South Haven started planning for the 4th of July event months in advance.
“We’re very excited, we’ve been planning this for about six months now," South Haven city manager Kate Hosier said. "We are really excited that the water levels have cooperated and also that COVID-19 seems to be on the downside.”
With more than 20,000 people expected to visit South Haven the weekend of the 4th of July, South Haven Police Chief Natalie Thompson said the department is prioritizing safety.
The department is getting help from other agencies, to have more officers on patrol, Thompson said.
“Our beaches will have checkpoints and throughout the day we will be writing tickets and there’s a potential for people to go to jail," Thompson said.
No alcohol, drugs or speakers will be allowed on the beach, according to police.
“We want this event to be enjoyed by all families and want to keep it safe," she said. "We don’t want the so-called party atmosphere. If you like alcohol and loud music, don’t come to South Haven.”
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Light Up the Lake brings people to South Haven from all across Michigan and beyond.
Nemeth is from Lansing and said this is something his family looks forward to every year.
"The kids look forward to seeing the fireworks and they’ve been gone for a couple years unfortunately, but we're looking forward to it being back," he said. "It's always a great event to bring family and friends together.”
South Haven has a new ordinance in place for 2022, people caught jumping off the pier can be fined $1,000.
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Chief Thompson said only four people have been cited this summer.
She said pier jumping will not be an issue during Light Up the Lake, because the pier will be closed all day on July 3 to prepare for the fireworks show.
The fireworks are expected to be launched around 10:30 p.m. Sunday, July 3.
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