FIREWORKS, FAIRS, FESTIVALS … and blueberries. Must be July. With a little planning and a good regional map, families can make the most of “touring” the area, visiting a multitude of free events and nominally priced festivals.

Independence Day is celebrated in every backyard, and most West Michigan communities add to the festivities with parades, musical performances, children’s activities, food vendors and, of course, fireworks! See Special Events.

Those who elect to be part of the festivities in downtown Grand Rapids may also want to view former President Gerald R. Ford’s grave site at the Ford Museum and remember him on his birthday, July 14. The Gerald R. Ford Museum has annually celebrated the day, offering free birthday cake. See Museums & Attractions.

The Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival features colorful balloon launches, air shows, wing walking and skywriting July 2-6 in Battle Creek. The National Baby Food Festival is in Fremont July 15-18, featuring a petting zoo, Kids Expo and baby food cook-off. The Ionia Free Fair, the world’s largest, is July 17-26, with 10 days of concerts, rides and farm animals. July 26 is the Blueberry Festival in Whitehall, with a scrumptious breakfast of blueberry pancakes. There are two fun events in Muskegon this month: Last year more than 60,000 attended the first Muskegon Bike Time; this year it is July 18-20. The Muskegon County Fair is July 22-26. See Special Events.

The month in which we celebrate our nation’s birth is also the month to celebrate our Armed Forces — including the Coast Guard on our “coast.” This is the 84th year of the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven (July 25-Aug. 3). Events include 5K and 10K races, a free street dance, band concerts, nightly entertainment shows, a waterski show, a parade and a fireworks display. See Special Events.

The Grand Rapids Symphony opens its family-friendly Chase Picnic Pops series July 10-11 with classical favorites, ending with Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.” The concert, at Cannonsburg Ski Area, is immediately followed by a fireworks display. Mariachi Cobre plays July 17-18, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band plays July 24-25. See Music.

The wildly popular Maranda continues her equally popular (and free!) Maranda’s Park Parties. July 10 she is in Kollen Park in Holland; July 17 at the Public Schools Complex in Cedar Springs; July 24 at Mayors’ Riverfront Park in Kalamazoo; and July 31 at the Allegan County Fairgrounds. See Kidstuff.