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Fourth of July

Mark Your Calendars for Fun Ways to Celebrate the Fourth of July This Year

Written by Staff on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Blog, Info.

This weekend leads into the biggest summer holiday, the Fourth of July this coming week. We know that temperatures might be rising, but that is no reason not to have a blast this holiday. We have compiled a great list of ideas for how to celebrate the Fourth of July around Anna Maria Island, whether you are here just for a short vacay or live here all year round.

Remember that with turtle hatching season and the impacts of fireworks on the island’s ecosystem, there are no shows planned on the island. There is a lot of debris, and rash that these shows leave in their wake which impacts the wildlife and caused the decision to not have these events on the island. That said, there are amazing events close by to fill that need.

Bradenton Marauders – to host a fun family evening of baseball and fireworks on July 3rd. This game starts at 6:30 pm and a fireworks display will take place after the game. LECOM Park is located at 1611 9th St. West, Bradenton, FL 34205. Get more ticketing information and times at the team website. The first 1,500 fans to arrive for the July 3rd game will get a free t-shirt!

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium – Our manatees, sharks, sea turtles, and otters are ready to meet you 365 days a year at Mote Aquarium, located just minutes from downtown Sarasota and Lido Beach. Visitors can explore touch pools, hands-on exhibits, and windows into the science and conservation of Mote Marine Laboratory.

July 4th Independence Day Parade – 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, on Anna Maria Island from Coquina Beach (North Entrance) to City Pier Park in Anna Maria. The Anna Maria Island Privateers will be livening things up again this year – come out young and old for one of the best Fourth of July traditions on the Island.

Fireworks

Kayak Rental – get out on the water, and explore Anna Maria’s beautiful emerald coastline and abundant wildlife in one of Beach Bum’s kayaks.

Fireworks on the Lake Driven by Lamborghini Sarasota – Fireworks on the Lake are coming back with a bang! All are invited to a sparkling celebration at Nathan Benderson Park on Monday, July 3 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm.

4th of July Fireworks on the Manatee River – Downtown Bradenton offers a unique urban spin on the night’s festivities. Spend your day shopping, dining, and enjoying the arts and culture downtown. Afterward, venture over to the award-winning Riverwalk to enjoy the fireworks display over the Manatee River at 9 p.m. Bring a blanket and chairs, snacks, and a camera! July 4, 2023, from 9 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular – This event will be Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at the Sarasota Bayfront Park, 1 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, at 9 p.m. Races and holiday festivities will attract thousands of people to the City of Sarasota.

We hope you have amazing plans for the weekend and the Fourth of July. Whether fireworks over the water or celebrations with friends, this holiday is sure to be memorable. Stay safe, and enjoy this amazing paradise we all call home.

Feature Photo Courtesy of Deposit Photos

4th of July

Celebrate 4th of July near AMI

Written by Paradise Realty Staff on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Blog, Info.

Time to gather your favorite red, white, and blue getup because it’s almost time for the 4th of July! Thankfully this year there are so many fun events planned so get your sparklers and grills ready! We’ve compiled a list of just a few of the big events planned in the surrounding cities to help celebrate Independence Day in the Anna Maria-Bradenton-Sarasota area with a bang.

ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

4th of July

First off, while there are no big fireworks shows launching from Anna Maria beaches, there is another family-friendly and safe way to celebrate the 4th on AMI!

With the support of Holmes Beach city leaders, the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ 4th of July Processional is officially back!

This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, July 3, taking off at 10 a.m. from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and continuing down Gulf Drive to Pine Avenue and ending at Bayfront Park in Anna Maria. The event is free and open to all families and friends! Just snag a safe spot on the parade route and get ready to wave!

Whether you then plan to head to the beach, hop on a boat, or take a dip in the pool, Anna Maria provides the perfect location to bask in the beauty of paradise. Keep in mind, fireworks should be left to professionals… especially at the beach! Lighting personal fireworks on Manatee County beaches is illegal and can disturb or harm wildlife, including threatened and endangered sea turtles and sea birds. So have fun but please, stay safe and respect our animal & human neighbors.

Palmetto has booked superstar Wynonna Judd and her band The Big Noise to headline this year’s Palmetto Fourth Fest at Sutton Park.

ON THE MAINLAND

In addition to live music, local vendors will be set up at the event offering food and drink.

The festival is free to attend. There’s no reserved seating, so head to the park early with your lawn chairs to stake out a spot. Personal coolers, food and drinks are allowed; alcohol is not.

A fireworks show over the Manatee River sponsored by Palmetto, Bradenton and Manatee County will follow the concert.

Details: Fourth Fest kicks off at 5 p.m. July 4. Fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m. Sutton Park, 1036 Sixth St. W., Palmetto.

4th of July

MANATEE RIVER FIREWORKS SHOW

Palmetto and Bradenton share the love on the Fourth of July with a fireworks display that is visible on both sides of the Manatee River. So grab a spot on the Bradenton Riverwalk, Riverside Drive, a waterfront restaurant or a friend’s boat deck to enjoy the show. There are plenty of locations that give a great view of this spectacular annual fireworks show!

Details: Fireworks are set to begin around 9:30 p.m. July 4 over the Manatee River.

IN SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

If you want a front-row seat to fireworks near the beach, Siesta Key’s annual fireworks show may be the one for you. The show launches around dusk from near Siesta Key Public Beach and is free to the public.

Details: Fireworks set to launch at dusk on July 4 at Siesta Key Public Beach.

Info on their website.

The Sarasota Bayfront fireworks show is back this year to light up downtown and Sarasota Bay. The fireworks show is the grand finale of the Suncoast Summer Fest , which is set to take place from June 24-July 4 and includes powerboat races and other community events.

Details: Fireworks to launch around 9 p.m. July 4 from near Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota.

Whatever you decide to do this 4th of July, we hope you spend it soaking up some sun and with loved ones! God bless America.

Photos courtesy of unsplash