Organizers of this week's fireworks festival ramp of the 'wow' factor

The Fireworks Festival, in honor of Independence Day, runs Thursday through Saturday in Wenonah and Veterans Memorial parks in downtown Bay City. Fireworks shows happen all three nights, with the biggest show on Saturday.

Because of the barge's presence, those viewing the show by boat are advised that the area south of Veterans Memorial Bridge will be closed for boat traffic from 9 p.m. to midnight, Clark said.

That means those traveling by boat from Saginaw won't be allowed to cross under Veterans Memorial Bridge after 9 p.m., or cross back toward Saginaw until after midnight, Clark said.

"I wanted to make sure we reminded any of the boating public... they won't be able to move," he said. "Obviously, that just affects boating traffic down river."

The shows on Thursday and Friday won't involve the barge or last as long as Saturday's show, said Mike Buda, vice president of the festival board.

"The others are small 'wet your whistle' ones for about 15 minutes," Buda said. "It's always a fantastic fireworks display."

Both Wenonah and Veterans Memorial parks will host events for the festival, with daily entrance fees of $5 and $1, respectively.

At Wenonah Park, gates open at 4 p.m. on Thursday with The Saucecats taking the stage from 6-7 p.m. and again from 8-9:45 p.m. Opening ceremonies are from 7-8 p.m.

On Friday, gates open at 3 p.m. with Paisley Fogg taking the stage from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and New Odyssey playing from 7-8 p.m. From 8:30-9:45 p.m., The Apples, a Beatles tribute band, will take the stage.

Saturday the gates will open at 3 p.m. again, with Mitchell & Brandy Samborn playing from 6-6:45 p.m., Mark Richardson with Tequila Town playing from 7-8 p.m. and David Lee Murphy as the closing act from 8:30-9:45 p.m.

At Veterans Memorial Park, a beer tent will be available from 4-11 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 2 p.m. to midnight Saturday.

A Texas Hold 'Em poker room will also be open from 4-10 p.m., featurin