ST. JOSEPH, Mich. -- On the Fourth of July, thousands of people go to Silver Beach on Lake Michigan to see the fireworks. Businesses say after such a brutal winter, it's nice to have big events that bring big crowds.

For some, going to Silver Beach is a family tradition.

"Our grandparents would take us down to Silver Beach, especially our grandfather," said Mario Moschioni.



It also brings back memories of summer celebrations years ago.



"A murderous ride on an old wooden rollercoaster at the age of 5," said John Moschioni.



For businesses, it's a sign of hope after a harsh winter.



"It usually helps us make up for the winter time a little bit," said Scott Olsen, a server at Silver Beach Pizza.



Olsen says this past winter was especially hard on the beach business but they're expecting a good holiday weekend.



"We're expecting to have a couple thousand people come in today," said Olsen.



The fireworks display will start around 9:30 p.m.