Your Guide for Maximum Viewing of Stony Creek's 2012 Fireworks Display

Thousands of people will flock to Stony Creek July 1 for the annual Fourth of July Fireworks. 

The booms and bangs will start at dusk at Baypoint Beach, but if you want to guarantee a good viewing spot, Operations Administrator Gary Hopp recommends viewers arrive early to claim their own little slice of heaven. 

The fireworks, which began in 2000, are free with a year-round pass. However, a special $10 permit for the day will be charged for vehicles that enter the park after 5 p.m. 

Temperatures will reach the high-80s. However, there is a 30 percent chance of isolated thunderstorms, according to Weather.com. But if you're willing to risk a few showers, here are some tips to make the show even better and brighter.

• Want to see the fireworks but don’t want to get caught in the crowd? Check out some of the other beaches or picnic sites in the park for prime viewing without the hustle and bustle.
• If you want to have a truly free fireworks experience, try making camp on the hill right outside the park entrance where you can still see the fireworks fill the sky but keep your wallet full at the same time.
• Right around 10 p.m. is when the late-night munchies start to grumble, so come prepared. Feel free to pack a picnic basket or some bags of snacks to satisfy those cravings. My personal recommendation: Pop Rocks, it’s like fireworks in your mouth! (NOTE: No glass containers or alcohol are allowed.)
• If it does start to rain and you really want to keep dry, try parking your car in one of the nearby parking lots outside the metropark. You should still get a pretty good view while keeping your hair silky smooth at the same time.
• If you do decide to venture into the park (or hangout on the hill outside), make sure to bring a blanket or chair so you can be at your utmost comfort when the booms and bangs begin.
• Check out from last year's fireworks show.

Won't be able to make the Stony Creek fireworks? No worries, Lake St. Clair Metropark's display is Monday, July 2 at 10 p.m.