ISHPEMING -- Following Ishpeming's parade, thousands made their way to the city's annual picnic at the Al Quaal Recreation area.

This is the city's 36th year celebrating the 4th of July with the community gathering.

The picnic also included a circus, games for the kids and a variety of local vendors.

Organizers of the event say the festivities are the highlight of the summer for many in the community.

"This has been the focal point of the summer, people who live away plan their vacation around the 4th of July," said Paul Bonetti, an organizer of the event. "It started quite a few years ago, and it has just been a wonderful tradition."

The picnic has cost the city up to $25,000 in the past.

Much of that money is used to pay for their fireworks display, which will be launched at 10:30 p.m. July 4th at Al Quaal.