Tag: holiday

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

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.

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