By Journal Staff

MARQUETTE –Travel Marquette has announced a Fourth of July laser show coming to the Upper Peninsula this summer.

Visitors and locals alike are invited to celebrate Independence Day in Marquette County and witness the night sky light up with red, white and blue lasers at this first-time event.

The holiday laser light show, in partnership with Fresh Coast Light Lab, will be on July 3, synchronized with a traditional fireworks display, and again on July 4 as a stand-alone display. Each shows is expected to begin at about 10:40 p.m. at Mattson Lower Harbor Park.

“We wanted to bring a new and innovative way to celebrate the Fourth of July to Marquette that everyone will be sure to enjoy,” said Susan Estler, CEO of Travel Marquette, in a news release. “Due to the outstanding success of our Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock spectacles, we thought bringing back the lasers for a patriotic Fourth display would be an imaginative, exciting and special way for our area to celebrate the holiday.”

The 1,200-foot-long and 50-foot-high Independence Day light show will debut as the largest architectural laser show in North America as well as the area’s first summer laser show, Travel Marquette said. With a focus on accessibility, this Fourth of July celebration ensures that all residents and visitors, including children, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and individuals with sensory disorders can participate in the festivities.

“We are excited to once again partner with the city of Marquette on another spectacular light show,” said David Kronberg, the founder and president of Fresh Coast Light Lab, LLC, in a news release. “Set against Marquette’s beautiful location on Lake Superior, this Fourth of July display will be the largest architectural laser show in North America and is a true celebration of the community.”

Spectators are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnic baskets to fully enjoy the show in comfort.

The family-friendly light display is free and open to the public. With the light display taking place at the famed Lower Harbor Ore Dock in downtown Marquette, viewers also can take advantage of the town’s nearby shops, local restaurants and bustling brewery scene, Travel Marquette said.