GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 28, 2012 – Fireworks will ignite the night once again this year as the Amway 4th of July Family Fireworks rumble through downtown Grand Rapids over Ah-Nab-Awen Park. Celebrating the nation’s 236th birthday, the patriotic spectacle will return Wednesday, July 4, at 10:30 p.m.

“The Amway 4th of July Family Fireworks couldn't happen without the support of our sponsors,” said Ed Kettle, executive director of the annual event. ”Thanks to Amway’s three-year commitment, other sponsors have recognized the importance our city’s patriotic tradition and have pledged their support to ensure the celebration will continue for years to come.

”New this year Fireworks will launch from two bridges – the Gillette Pedestrian Bridge and Bridge Street Bridge – to create an even bigger and brighter spectacle. In addition, limited handicap seating and parking for people who need wheelchair access will be available near the Gerald R. Ford Museum entrance, staffed by Disability Advocates of Kent County.

To avoid road closures near the museum, attendees should arrive no later than 8 p.m. Event line-up Channel 95.7 will kick off the downtown Grand Rapids celebration at 4 p.m. with a live radio broadcast in front of Fifth Third Bank, 111 Lyon St. NW. The 4th of July parade, sponsored by Workbox Staffing, will begin at 5 p.m. on the corner of Lyon and Monroe NW.

The parade will continue to Veterans’ Memorial Park, 101 East Fulton St., where men and women who have served in the U.S. military will be honored. Children’s activities and live music featuring Donald Kinsey, Kari Lynch Band, Garrett Borns and The Outer Vibe will follow in Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 303 Pearl St. NW, at 6 p.m.

"Amway is excited to join the community to celebrate our nation's independence, a core value in which our company was built upon," said Todd Woodward, Amway vice president of Corporate and Integrated Communications.

This year’s sponsors and partners include Amway, Spartan Stores, Saint Mary’s Health Center,

Vi-Chem, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Ellis Parking, Fifth Third Bank, J&H Family Stores, Townsquare Media, CBS Outdoor, WGVU, GRNow.com, Spins on Music and Mindscape.

All activities are free and open to the public. For more information visit 4thOfJulyGR.com, find us on Facebook ( facebook.com/4thofjulygr) or Tweet @GR4thofJuly.

 About Amway

Amway (amway.com) is one of the world's largest direct selling businesses. Alticor Inc., parent company of Amway, reported global sales of $10.9 billion in 2011. Founded in 1959 by entrepreneurs Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel, and based in Ada, Michigan (United States), Amway offers consumer products and business opportunities through a network of more than 3 million distributors in more than 80 countries and territories worldwide. The top-selling brands for Amway are NUTRILITE® vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements, ARTISTRY® skincare and colour cosmetics, and eSpring® water treatment systems. The company provides product development, manufacturing and logistics services through its Access Business Group and Alticor Corporate Enterprises divisions. For company news, visit www.globalnews.amway.com. For media questions, contact Public Relations at 616-787-7565 (Michigan, United States) or mediainfo@amway.com.