Freedom Fireworks filled Clark Lake’s skies last night. Rafts gathered around the epicenter bound by Kentucky Point, Eagle Point the North Shore. All over the lake, spectators lined the shorelines to take it in. The video below paints a picture of the display, but experiencing it in person is the real thing. Viewers witnessed every color of the rainbow arranged in imaginative configurations. Some arrangements appeared delicate which belied the method that got them there. Others illuminated the lake as if it were midday through the brilliance of the flashes.
Saturday’s weather was accomodating. The day was sunny and breezy with winds calming after sundown. Late in the afternoon, two planes circled the lake towing banners.
Like most events, Freedom Fireworks did not happen without considerable support. Ralph Mahalak Jr. and his family led the charge. Many Clark Lakers contributed, some through donations to the Clark Lake Spirit Foundation, others directly to Starfire, the fireworks company. For more about the donors, please click here.
Starfire loaded the explosives on two barges. At sundown, the Starfire team launched the barges at the west end site with the DNR, and fire and police departments on hand. From there, the barges made their way to the mid-lake destination.
Video and photos: Rick Belcher
For the Freedom Fireworks, Ralph Mahalak Jr. led the effort. He’d like to thank the donors and all who helped, including these people:
Gary and Teri Schultz, Aspen One Hour Heating & Cooling
Stephanie Sconochia
Tim Zacharias, CR MOTORS in Adrian and Hudson
Godfrey Pontoon Boats
Bill Vinson, Krupa’s Boat Mart
Mark and Leanne Melling, Melling Hi-Performance Parts
J P and Joanie Mahalak, Alfa Romeo Fiat of Winter Haven , FL
Brian and Dana Reicker, Tim Hortons
Danny and Sue Vuich, Danny Fine Foods
Ralph is asking for feedback. Would you’d like a repeat performance in 2021?
Fireworks were fantastic, thank you to the Mahalak family and the other donors. Great Clark Lake Spirit. Thanks Rick for the great coverage.
It was beautiful but I think the $$$ could have been spent on something a little more practical. I realize our moral was a major goal due to all this Covid 19 business but anyway, I have to give those people who organized and did the display credit for a job well done!
Good job Clark Lakers. The plane circling the lake announcing Freedom Fireworks was a nice touch. Then the sky came alive. Wow! The fire on the barge was just enough drama to make the sky show stick as a highlight in the archives of Clark Lake events. Thanks
The fireworks were awesome and we are so thankful to live on a lake where there are so many people involved in our community and who care!
Thank you to the Mahalak family and all who helped finance this beautiful display of fireworks…
The fireworks were the best I have ever seen. They were a much needed with all the things going on in the world today. Thank you so much.
A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERY SINGLE PERSON INVOLVED
IT WAS A SPECIAL EVENING ……..
What a wonderful evening for a fantastic display of fireworks. Thank you everyone!! Our granddaughter Harlow celebrated her birthday on Saturday so we told her it was also in honor of her turning 8. It was truly a special night. ?