July 4th events

Thursday, July 2, 2009

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Jorge D. Gomez carved this tribute to July 4 in his front yard. Click on the picture for a larger image.

Events for 4th of July 2009

Events are for July 4 unless otherwise noted.

Hillsborough				Hernando
Pasco				Polk
Manatee				Citrus

Pinellas County

St. Petersburg

Fourth of July Extravaganza at The Pier
The Pier, 800 2nd Ave. N.E. Waterside Courtyard and The Pier .
Music, face painting and fireworks.
Festivities start at 1 p.m.

Rock n' Wings Concert
4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Albert Whitted Airport 107 8th Ave. S.E. St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Celebrate the fourth of July with Idol finalist Amanda Overmyer in concert a the Albert Whitted Airport in downtown St. Petersburg. An evening of fun, food and fireworks. Idol's Amanda Overmyer, the Harley riding, Janis Joplin-sounding contestant from the 2008 season of American Idol will appear in concert.
Price is $10.00. Category for music is Rock

Andy Warhol Fourth of July Celebration
Museum of Fine Arts
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Join us July 4th for Food, Fodder & Fireworks! Admission is $15 and includes entrance into the Hough Wing galleries and front row seats for downtown St. Petersburg's fireworks extravaganza!
Food will be available for purchase and there will be live music featuring 60's and 70's tunes that influenced Warhol's art and life!

Cafe Alma

July 3. Party starts at 6 p.m. Live music, drink specials. Dress to impress. For reservations (727) 502-5002 260 1st Ave South downtown St. Pete. Details here (.pdf)

5th annual Dairy Inn Hot Dog Eating

July Fourth- Starting at 11:30 a.m.
Men, Women and Children will be eating as many Hot Dogs as they possibly can in the 10 minute time limit. The event is a fundraiser for Pet Pal, having the contestants raise money for Pet Pals Shelter in St. Petersburg, Fl. We will be accepting donations at the event, as well as having a puppy kissing booth. The Event mirrors the famous Nathan's contest in Coney Island NY.
First place winners in each of the adult divisions get $100 cash and their name inscribed on Dairy Inn's famous "Relish Green" belt. All contestants will get free coupons for Ice Cream at the Dairy Inn. This is a free event. 1201 9th Street N. (Dr. MLK jr. St. N) (727) 822-6971

St. Pete Beach

Bring your blanket and a picnic basket and settle in for the evening to enjoy fireworks at the beach. Launched along the Gulf of Mexico, you'll enjoy the show starting at dusk.

Madeira Beach

Promising a traditional show ending in a spectacular finale of lights, this event is expected to last 20 to 30 minutes during which 3,938 rounds of premium display fireworks will be set off. The display will be fired from the city recreation park on Rex Place next to the City Hall complex.

Redington Shores

Situated in the heart of the beach communities, Redington Shores has an expansive beach and is famous for its long pier. The fireworks display will take place shortly after dusk in the county beach park.

Treasure Island

Enjoy a delicious BBQ while watching fireworks on the beach. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.

Clearwater

Clearwater Celebrates America
Location: Coachman Park, 301 Drew St.
Time: 4 p.m.
Contact: 562-4700

Fireworks Safety Tips

Fireworks are dangerous when used improperly. Here are safety tips for using them.

Description: This year's event will feature the Mostly Pops Orchestra with John and Mary K. Wilson at 7:30 p.m., followed by a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase and exhibitor and sponsor booths will be open for browsing. There will also be children's activities. Admission is free and gates will open at 4 p.m. Event Classification: Parks & Recreation, Arts/Music, Adult/Seniors, Family

Tea Party
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
2626 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd
(outside Perkin's restaurant)

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Fourth of July Celebration
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The family event will include food, live music, fun activities for kids and special Independence Day-themed dolphin shows. Join us for a fun and festive event!
Admission to CMA is $11 for adults, $9 for seniors (ages 60 and over) and $7.50 for kids (ages 3-12). Picnic fare will be available for purchase at an additional $5 for adults and $4 for kids.

Shephard's, Clearwater Beach
Shephard's Beach Resort is hosting a weekend of events Friday July 3 - Sunday July 5. See details.

Dunedin

Friday, July 3
Concert and Fireworks
Dunedin Stadium
Parks & Recreation Department
727-812-4530

Largo

Celebrate Independence Day at Largo Central Park
7p - DJ and festival foods!
9p - Fireworks show!
For the Safety of Everyone
No Alcohol, Pets, or Personal Fireworks (not even sparklers)

Safety Harbor
Safety Harbor's Annual Independance Day Celebration
Celebrate Independence Day at the top of Tampa Bay. Safety Harbor's annual 4th of July Celebration will be fun for the whole family. Enjoy live entertainment, food, a children's area and fun for the whole family. The fireworks will blast off at 9:00pm. Proceeds benefit the Safety Harbor Scholarship Fund.
Safety Harbor Marina
110 Veterans Memorial Lane
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
Location: Safety Harbor Marina
5:00pm - 9:00pm
Contact: 727-724-1572
Email: specialevents@cityofsafetyharbor.com
Cost: FREE

Gulfport

10 a.m. Car show (Beach Boulevard)
8 a.m. - 11 a.m. Kid's Fishing Derby (Recreation Center seawall)
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Sandcastle contest (Gulfport Beach)
4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Food, activities and vendors (Downtown Waterfront District)
4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Live music (Casino Ballroom)
6 p.m. Parade (Beach Boulevard)
9 p.m. Fireworks

Tarpon Springs

Enjoy a hometown picnic in Craig Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m featuring live music and family-fun activities like a bubblegum blowing contest and sack races. Free hot dogs, soda and water will be provided.

John's Pass

Enjoy a patriotic, fun-filled rally that will kick off the First Annual Fourth of July U.S. Constitution boat parade. Gather at Gators Café at John's Pass where the festivities will start at noon. Decorate your boat and show it off or just watch the parade sail by just after 3 p.m.

Hillsborough County

Tampa

The Downtown Tampa Attractions Association is proud to annouce that they will be hosting their annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration this year! A twenty minute long firework display will be launched from a barge in the Garrison Channel and can be seen from Channelside Bay Plaza, Yacht Starship, The Florida Aquarium, the American Victory Ship, Cotanchobee Park, the Marriott Waterside, Harbor Island, the St. Pete Times Forum, and Bayshore Blvd.
The annual free event will also host live music, vendors, and kid's activities so come downtown to enjoy fireworks and fun for the whole family!
Event Location
615 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL. 33602
813.471.1531
Event Date: 7/4/2009
Event Time: 9:00 PM
Price: FREE!

American Victory Ship

The event will begin aboard the American Victory Ship at 5 p.m. and will conclude following the fireworks spectacular at Channelside. Priced at $10 for adults and $5 for youths 4-16, the event will offer good old fashioned hamburgers and hotdogs, snacks, beverages, face painting, and an arts and crafts area for children to make their own 4th of July hats. Contests will include watermelon eating, hula hoop, and life ring tossing. Prizes include AmVic memberships and merchandise, movie passes, restaurant gift certificates, museum passes, a chance for a child to blow the ship's whistle commemorating the beginning of the fireworks and more. A beer and wine tent will be located on the fantail of the ship for adults.

Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium, located at 701 Channelside Dr, is the site of Tampa's daylong FreedomFest. Live Music and Entertainment start in the afternoon, and end with a spectacular Fireworks Demonstration at 9 p.m. More than 50,000 people turn out, but you can also view the fireworks from a variety of `less crowded' spots nearby.

Jackson's

What: 3rd of July FIREWORKS Display
When: Party Friday July 3rd 10pm-3am, Fireworks 1am (so actually the 4th)
Where: Jackson's 601 S Harbour Island Blvd TAMPA
Benefits: Children's Home
Cover: $10-25 at door
Details: 10pm-3am Party with a Huge Fireworks show off a barge in front of Jacksons with the beautiful backdrop of downtown Tampa.

Tampa History Center

Offering free admission to all visitors on July 4th courtesy of a sponsorship by John Bales Attorneys and Bales Security Agency, Inc. In addition, the galleries will stay open until 8:30 p.m., so visitors to want to view the Channelside fireworks that launch at 9 p.m. from Cotanchobee Park can pass the time visiting the galleries.

MOSI

From July 3-5, Tampa's Museum of Science & Industry will celebrate Independence Day by offering one FREE admission with the purchase of a MOSI general admission ticket. Spend July 4 with family and experience over 450 hands-on exhibits, an IMAX® Dome Theatre film, and Kids in Charge! The Children's Science Center-emphasizing the value of learning through play. (Ticket must be of equal or lesser value; cannot be combined with any other offers. Excludes special engagement IMAX films.)

Brandon
Brandon Blast and Rock, Rib & Ride Festival
Have a blast. More info. to come.
Brandon Blast and Rock, Rib & Ride Festival
Located at Westfield Brandon Mall
July 4th & 5th
Fireworks, Live Music, Kids Fitness Zone, Punt Pass & Kick Competition, Inflatable's for all ages, Rib Tasting Competitions and much more.
Proceeds to benefit the Greater Brandon Community Foundation.

Pasco County

July 3- The Star Spangled Spectacular Concert
July 4- Sparklebration-A 4th of July festival and fireworks celebration

Hudson

First Annual Hudson Americana Fest
Saturday July 4, 2009 from 10:00am - 10:00pm
The Angelus
12413 Hudson Ave.
Hudson, Florida 34669 Get Directions
Gates open at 10am, music starts at 11am, and firework display 10pm.
Vendors,food, music, picnic-style family orientated all day event.
Ticket Info: $2.00 parking, $5.00 per person,at Patriotic Fireworks; $7.50 per person, at the gate

Manatee County

Palmetto

The place to be to celebrate America's Independence. Along the Manatee River with live entertainment, food for all tastes, children's activities and fireworks. Festivities start at 11AM with a spectacular fireworks display at 9:30PM.
Location: Along the Manatee River in downtown Bradenton
Hours: 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Keywords: Fireworks, Food, Fun For The Entire Family, Kids' Activities, Music

Anna Maria Island

Sandbar Fireworks Spectacular
Saturday, Jul. 4, 2009
Anna Maria Island, FL
Local Phone: 941-778-0444
Fireworks begin at dark (weather permitting) for this family fun event to celebrate Independence Day! VIP Party Packages available for party under the pavillion. Please call 941-778-0444 for more information.
Location: Anna Maria Island
Keywords: Fireworks, Food, Music

Bradenton

Before the launching of the annual fireworks display, swing by downtown Bradenton on Saturday, July 4th for a celebration on Old Main Street.

The Old Main Street Merchants Association is hosting a downtown party from 5-10 p.m. with food, drinks and live music from the local rock band Rye Road. The band takes the stage at 5:30 p.m. and will move into Cork's Cigar Bar, 425 Old Main St., after the fireworks display, which starts at 9:30 p.m. from the Palmetto side of the river.

Fireworks will start around 9:30 p.m. from downtown Palmetto.

Hernando County

Brooksville

Nature Coast Freedom Fest
July 3
Location: Florida Classic Park on Lockhart Road in Brooksville.
Gates open at 3:00 pm
First concert at 4:00 pm
Fireworks will be at dusk.

Polk County

Fort Meade Fourth of July Celebration
Saturday, Jul 4, 2009 Fort Meade's Recreation Department will have fun games and contests at the Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area for the Fort Meade Fourth of July Celebration. There will be an inflatable bounce house and an inflatable slide available for the kids, which will be a fund-raiser for local youth groups. Other special patriotic contests, as well as entertainment, will be offered by the Fort Meade Chamber of Commerce. Location: City of Fort Meade Outdoor Recreation Area Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: free For more information, contact: Community Center 285-1111

Lakeland's Independence Celebration Red, White & Kaboom

July 3
Lake Mirror Park
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
The evening's entertainment will include the pop rock sounds of the popular band MillHopper. The popular band will play three sets of music ending at 9:00 p.m. to a breathtaking display of fireworks over Lake Mirror. The VISTE (Volunteers in Service to the Elderly) food bank is in need of donations and as part of this year's celebration, participant are asked to bring a canned food item. There will be several locations throughout Lake Mirror Park and in downtown Lakeland that will be accepting the canned food donations.

July 3rd is also First Friday for Lakeland's downtown with entertainment and activities taking place. First Friday merchants will also be collecting cans as part of the VISTE food drive. On Friday, July 4, 2008 the celebration continues at Lakeland's own Joker Marchant Stadium. There will be a dazzling display of fireworks around 9:00 p.m. following the Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. the Tampa Bay Yankees baseball game.

Citrus County

Inverness

Patriotic Festival
Date: 7/3/2009
Times: Dusk p.m.
Description: This patriotic festival is held on the evening of July 3rd and encompasses both Wallace Brooks and Liberty Park. Besides a phenomenal fireworks display at dusk, the event includes children's games, rides and nonprofit food booths. See for yourself! Dozens of boaters joined thousands of spectators in Liberty and Wallace Brooks parks along Lake Henderson to listen to patriotic concerts and watch the breathtaking fireworks. FREE admission and parking! Call (352) 726-3913 for more information.

Kings Bay

Fireworks
Times: Approximately 9 p.m.
Description: To celebrate the freedom we all enjoy, the Crystal River fireworks will return to Three Sisters Property to increase the viewing area for the community. This year's show is dedicated to all the veterans and active military service members who have given so much of themselves so we can be free. The Crystal River Special Events Foundation will again sponsor the show, put on by Dragonworks of Homosassa. For more information call 352-795-2946

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