How to Photograph Fireworks

A Patch photographer gives advice on capturing the sparkle in the sky.

POLL: What's the Most Patriotic Song in America?

From the "The Star-Spangled Banner" to "Yankee Doodle" and "Born in the USA," we want to know what makes you think "America."

It seems like nearly every big fireworks show is synced up to music these days, and for good reason. A good song can elicit strong feelings and memories, and that includes patriotic tunes most often played around the 4th of July and other national holidays. But which song is the most patriotic? Is it our national anthem? "God Bless America"? Is it Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A."? Vote in our poll and share a favorite 4th of July memory!

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Need To Know: Fourth of July Grilling Tips

The Fourth of July means two things for some people: grilling and BBQs. Here's what you need to know to stay safe.

For some, the Fourth of July is about parades, fireworks and decking yourself out in your finest red, white and blue. For others, it's all about the grilling. But before you haul out the propane tanks or sacks of charcoal, keep these simple safety tips in mind: Information courtesty of the Birmingham Fire Department.

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Your Guide to Tonight's Festival of the Hills

The big fireworks show is Wednesday night at Borden Park in Rochester Hills. Here's what you need to know right now.

POLL: Do You Like the New Fireworks Law?

The new law allows the sale of airborne fireworks in Michigan.

Flash! Bang! Screech! Boom! It's the time of year to celebrate our nation's birthday with impressive displays of pyrotechnics, and now that consumers can buy airborne fireworks without leaving Michigan, hundreds of temporary sites and stores in Troy and around Metro Detroit have popped up, MLive Media Group reports. But the change in Michigan law could also mean more injuries and fires caused by the improper handling of fireworks, Troy Fire Department Lt. Chuck Riesterer said. And then there's the noise. Several Michigan communities, including Warren and Lake Orion, are working to or have already implemented noise ordinances prohibiting the use of fireworks throughout much of the year. Currently, state law allows the use of fireworks on …

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Your Guide to the Festival of the Hills

The big fireworks show is Wednesday night at Borden Park in Rochester Hills. Here's what you need to know right now.

It's a tradition that's billed as the state's second-largest fireworks show. It's the Festival of the Hills at Borden Park in Rochester Hills, and it's Wednesday night. The forecast calls for sun and clouds, but no rain. Here's what you need to know right now about the city's biggest event of the year: Did we mention the festival is free? It's true. For a glimpse at what the festival is all about, see our coverage of last year's Festival of the Hills. 

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10 Hot Tips for Fireworks Safety

Fireworks can be very dangerous if not handled properly. Here are a few tips to help keep you safe.

When used as directed, fireworks can help make special occasions like the Fourth of July fun and memorable. If used improperly, however, they can cause serious burns, fires, traumatic amputations and even death. "If people act responsibly with fireworks, they're really not a problem," Troy Fire Department Lt. Chuck Riesterer said, adding that residents who want to see fireworks "should go to a professional display." Now that consumers can buy airborne fireworks without leaving Michigan, Riesterer said it's possible the number of injuries and fires caused by fireworks could go up. "If you want to use fire crackers and bottle rockets and the mortars, what you need to remember is they are inherently dangerous because they leave the ground – …

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5 Things You Might Have Missed This Holiday Weekend

A round-up of Fourth of July happenings and feature articles for Troy Patch readers who may have checked out for the holiday weekend.

The extended holiday weekend provided a perfect time to take a break. And if you were one of the lucky folks to tune out this Fourth of July, Troy Patch has collected a sample of some of the hoiday-related stories you might have missed. Troy Patch looked at how people deal with the "red hot" fever that sweeps the country each Fourth of July. From coney toppings to a Coney Island contest, hot dog eaters are once again unable to escape the debate and controversy surrrounding their food of choice. While the city of Troy didn't host its own Fourth of July celebration this year, Beachwood Recreation Association's annual bike parade and party were a splash among members of the private club. Still feeling those hot dogs, baked beans and potato …

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