Fireworks light up the night sky during the 2023 fireworks display in Ishpeming. (Journal photo by Justin Marietti)

MARQUETTE — Several events are planned to help celebrate Independence Day in the Marquette area.

The U.S. Air National Guard will fly over downtown Marquette at 12:15 p.m. Thursday. The flyover will feature two F-16s flown by the Bulldogs of the Fighter Wing of the Duluth, Minnesota, Air National Guard.

The parade will get underway at 2 p.m. and starts on McClellan Avenue, continuing down Washington Street. Attendees are advised to arrive at 1:15 p.m. or earlier as nearby streets will be closed off.

Parade floats will begin lining up at 1 p.m. Those with mobility issues should try to arrive on Washington Street or Third Street before 1:15 p.m. After this time, crossing guards may allow car entry for delivery of persons with a mobility issue, but not for parking.

This is the 34th year that the Marquette Kiwanis Club has sponsored the parade with the city of Marquette.

This year’s parade celebrates Marquette’s 175th anniversary and features floats from Northern Michigan University, which is also celebrating a noteworthy anniversary as the school was founded 125 years ago.

The parade will also feature the band Almost Elvis, the Marquette Senior High School Band, the Superior Pipers, NMU Pep Band and the Rolling Thunder Superior H.O.G. Chapter.