GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The City of Grand Rapids announced Thursday that they would be revising the City's fireworks ordinance to allow for consumer-grade fireworks on Juneteenth.
The new revision will allow for residents to use the consumer-grade fireworks from 11 a.m. until 11:45 p.m. on June 19.
Juneteenth is an American holiday that memorializes June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger read orders in Galveston, Texas that all previously enslaved people in Texas were free.
Mayor Rosalyn Bliss acknowledged the historical and current importance of Juneteenth in the emancipation and liberation movement in 2020.
Residents found to be in violation of the City's firework ordinance are subject to a $1,000 fine for each violation.
The Grand Rapids Police Department encourages residents to report the illegal use of fireworks outside the designated times by calling (616) 456-3400.
As always, safety is a high priority when using fireworks to celebrate any holiday. The Grand Rapids Fire Department provided some firework safety tips to help reduce the chance of accidents:
Learn more about fireworks laws in Michigan here.
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