Fireworks are a common way to celebrate during the holiday season. The National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends the following tips for staying safe:

• Always purchase fireworks from a reliable source.
• Use fireworks as directed on consumer product safety label; never alter products.
• Observe local laws and use good COMMON SENSE.
• Have a designated shooter to organize and shoot your family show.
•  A responsible ADULT should supervise all firework activities.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; AWAY from buildings and vehicles.
• NEVER carry fireworks in your POCKET.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor trash can.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

For summer fun, attend the Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise

Since 2003, the Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise has been held on the first Sunday in August. This year’s cruise will be held on Sunday, August 4th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Featuring a cruise of classic vehicles, McLaren Macomb is one of the sponsors of the event. In 2012, nearly 200,000 people attended the cruise.

The cruise route is Gratiot Avenue from 14 Mile Road, north of Metropolitan Parkway to Wellington Crescent and back, through Clinton Township. The free event is open to
the public.

A highlight of the day is the cruise parade, which starts at noon. The parade will begin from just south of cruise headquarters, loop around the cruise route and come back. Cruise headquarters is in the parking lot of the McLaren Macomb building on Metropolitan Parkway at Gratiot Avenue.

Cruise headquarters will also include a Kids Zone with fun activities for children. In addition, the event will include live entertainment, with many local bands performing from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. along the cruise route.

Another area of activity will be the Dorian Ford Midway in the Lowe’s north parking lot on Gratiot Avenue at 15 Mile Road. For more information, including car show registration forms, visit the official cruise website at www.ctgratiotcruise.com.