SAGINAW, Mich. -- With food on the grill, fireworks in the sky and smiles on the faces of the young and old, it’s a great day to be a part of America.

Families are out all over the state to celebrate this Independence Day holiday. At this hour many in Birch Run are getting ready to see “Small Town Mid-Michigan” at its finest in the Birch Run Independence Day Parade.

Fireworks are not the only things rolling through Mid-Michigan – specialty cars are on display in a park in Genesee County.

The 14th annual Fourth of July Car Show is going on in McCurdy Park in Corunna.

There will be live entertainment, a car contest and a bike parade for kids. The show wraps up at 4 p.m.

In Frankenmuth, the 33rd Annual Volkslaufe Road Race kicked off Friday morning.

The race focuses on the runners with live bands throughout the course as residents on the route dress in costumes from pirates to patriot to motivate the runners.

The carnival in Bay City continues Friday and is located at Veterans Park. It features rides, games and food.

The carnival runs until midnight Friday and Saturday nights. If you are planning on visiting the carnival, they ask that you leave the alcohol and pets at home.

If huge fireworks displays are your thing, Friday night’s big show over the Saginaw River near Ojibway Island is the place for you.

It starts at 10:15 p.m. and if you cannot make the show in person, TV5 will bring it to you on your television.

TV5’s Katie O’Mara and Sam Merrill will host the show beginning at 10 p.m. on TV5.