July is here and Independence Day is right around the corner. All over the nation people are preparing for the holiday but what events can you attend locally to get into the holiday spirit?
GAINESVILLE AREA July 3rd
A Gainesville tradition Fanfares and Fireworks allows the residents of the city to gather at the bandshell on Flavet Field for a family-friendly night of live music food and fireworks. Beginning at 7 p.m. this Independence Day Eve event is a great way to kickoff the holiday. The firework show will begin at 9:40 p.m. so be sure to check it out. July 4th Head over to the city of Alachua and attend what they call the "Largest Small-Town Fireworks Display in America” at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex. Free activities for the entire family begin at 3 p.m. including: live music bounce houses a petting zoo a backyard BBQ eating contest and plenty more to keep you entertained until the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. The kids are bound to love this eventful day.
The town of Micanopy - just south of Gainesville - will be having their own celebration. A town parade begins at 11 a.m. and is followed by their annual Fish Fry at the Micanopy Historical Society Museum at 10:30am. Fried fish hushpuppies coleslaw and baked beans are all on the menu. It costs $10 a plate ($5 for children) and proceeds go towards the upkeep and continuation of the Micanopy Museum. Talk about eating for a good cause! Fireworks begin around dusk at the Ballpark. Don’t forget a blanket or lawn chair.
To experience a different kind of parade check out the Fourth of July Boat Parade on Lake Santa Fe in Melrose. Sit on the dock and watch boats glide across the lake decorated in the nation’s colors. This event begins at 11 a.m.
ST. AUGUSTINE AREA July 3rd The World Golf Community Village Fireworks celebration in St. Augustine provides the community with a fireworks show on a beautiful landscape. Bring your own blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the show. Also note that a small parking fee is required upon entry. Fireworks begin at 7 p.m. July 4th The Middleburg Civic Association hosts the Land of the Free parade. Floats are made by local organizations to help with the Independence Day celebration. The parade begins at 9 a.m. heading North on Blanding Blvd. ORLANDO AREA Note: Expect regular theme park admittance fees to apply. July 4th WALT DISNEY WORLD
LEGOLAND is heading up its inaugural Independence Day celebration with a special fireworks show. Onlookers can wear 3D glasses that turn ordinary fireworks into exploding bricks. The show is called Red Brick & Boom and will run through July 7th.
SeaWorld and Busch Gardens will also have fireworks on display beginning at 9 p.m. as well as entertainment from their Summer Nights events.
Flashback 4th of July is held in Celebration (near Orlando) at the Celebration Town Center. This outdoor casual event is appropriate for all ages. The theme this year is a “Salute to Cinema”. Guests can participate in a movie-inspired costume competition and enjoy fireworks at 7:30 p.m. The 17th Annual Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration in Winter Park is exactly that old fashioned. Held at Central Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. guests can enjoy horse-drawn carriages and free hot dogs and watermelon *while supplies last. Children's activities and games will keep parents happy and kids entertained. So as you can see there is plenty to do on Independence Day. Large cities and small towns are all getting in on the action and celebrating - grab a blanket and join in on the fun!