The Fourth of July weekend in this area Friday, July 1, to Monday, July 4, once again will be highlighted by traditional celebrations in Leighton, Dorr and Hopkins Townships.

Leighton Township

Leighton Township will begin observing the holiday Saturday, July 2, with a boat parade around Green Lake at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks will be launched from the Reus beach on the big lake at dusk.

A pancake breakfast will launch the July 4 festivities from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Green Lake fire station, 4475 Kalamazoo Ave. Cost is $3 for adults, $1 for children ages 12 and under, with extra donations encouraged to help cover fireworks costs. Those attending will be asked to bring canned goods for the Project Hope emergency food pantry.

A “land parade” will begin at noon July 4, with lineup at 11:30 a.m. in the west parking lot of Green Lake Calvary Church. The parade will proceed east down 145th Avenue (Kalamazoo Avenue) to South Shore Drive, then to Round Lake Drive, and back to Kalamazoo Avenue ending at the Green Lake fire station for activities and demonstrations.

Hopkins Village and Township

Most activities Monday, July 4, will be held near the township and village offices on Main Street.

The day will start with free breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Hopkins fire station, followed by an old-fashioned hymn sing from 9 to 10:30 a.m., scavenger hunt from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a pie contest judging from noon to 1 p.m., and family and carnival games from noon to 3:30 p.m.

Activities throughout the day will include a petting zoo, cowpie bingo, antique tractor display, concessions, and the FFA silent auction, which will conclude at 8 p.m.

Nobody’s Home will perform on the main stage at 2 p.m. and Luke Lenhart and Friends at 3 p.m.

A children’s parade will begin at the fire barn at 4 p.m. with wagons and pedal power only, no motorized vehicles. The main parade will follow at 5 p.m., with the Prince and Princess Pageant getting under way at 6 p.m. and the Queen’s Pageant at 7.

Fireworks will be held at dusk, with bleacher seating on the high school soccer field.

Dorr Township

Three days of activities are planned along 142nd Avenue and at South Park, with carnival rides and food booths continuing throughout the weekend Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

A community flea market will open at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the township hall. Chinese lanterns will be launched at 10:30 p.m. that day. Lanterns can be bought in advance at United Bank, Dick’s Market and Chemical Bank. Proceeds will go toward defraying costs of the fireworks display.

A music-filled worship service, sponsored by CrossWind Community Church, will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at South Park. Guests should bring their own lawn chairs or blankets.

A barbecued ribs contest will be at 11:30 a.m., limited to the first 150 people. A classic car and truck show at South Park will start at noon, with registration fee of $15.

An independent tractor pull by Foxfire Pullers will take place at 2245 144th Ave., beginning at 1 p.m.

Activities on the accrual Fourth of July will begin with a community breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. at Dorr Christian Reformed Church. The annual 4th of July parade will step off at 10:30 a.m., with lineup beginning at 9 a.m the American Legion Hall. The parade viewing area will be on 142nd Avenue beginning at 18th Street, continuing west past the parks.

Following the parade at South Park will be an ox roast, Knights of Columbus chicken barbecue, and live music with KaR Tunes and Tom Northrup, the Piano Man.

Dick’s Market will offer freshly-grilled bratwurst at 6 p.m., followed by more music by Stolen Horses at 8 p.m. The annual fireworks display will begin at dusk.