Independence Day 2020: Few fireworks, lots of crowds

Most of the large-scale fireworks displays in West Michigan were cancelled this year to prevent large gatherings that could spread the coronavirus. But that didn’t stop lots of people from celebrating anyway.

The Kalamazoo Growlers held fireworks as usual, but a display at the Kalamazoo Speedway was cancelled at the last minute. The only official fireworks display in Allegan County, in Dorr Township, was also scrapped at the last minute.

Undeterred by executive orders from the governor, people in some places still gathered for the holiday. Hundreds could be seen in video of a party at Diamond Lake, an hour south of Kalamazoo, on Saturday, according to reporting by MLive.

And WWMT reports crowded beaches in South Haven.

Cases of COVID-19 have been ticking upwards recently in Michigan. There were 598 new cases reported July 2, the largest daily total since the stay-at-home order was lifted in June.