Florida Keys July 4th Events
June 6th, 2009
| More about Key West |
Florida Keys – Get ready to “Ooh” and “Aah” as the sparkling waters surrounding the Florida Keys reflect bursts of color during the 2009 Independence Day celebrations along the island chain. This year, families can work in some fitness with their fun, as events throughout the Keys coincide with spectacular fireworks shows.
Blackwater Sound, fitting its name, provides the perfect mirrorlike nighttime surface to make the annual fireworks display seem three dimensional in a viewing experience designed to dazzle. The show is to take place bayfront on Key Largo Saturday, July 4, at 10 p.m.
The best seating is at Sundowners and Senior Frijoles restaurants, Caribbean Club and Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort, all located around mile marker (MM) 104 bayside. Reservations are suggested because seating fills up early.
The “Upper Keys Reporter” is to sponsor its 34th annual Fourth of July parade, this year themed “Volunteers, The Key To Our Community.” The parade gets rolling at 10 a.m. from the parking lot at Anthony’s Clothing Store, MM 98.2 on the center median of U.S. Highway 1 in Key Largo. Entrants must assemble in the parking lot between 8:30 and 9 a.m.
Awards will be presented for floats and entries in categories including best emergency vehicle, best musical, most original, most beautiful, best portrayal of the year’s theme, best nonprofit and best business parade entrants.
For more information, call (305) 852-3216.
Before the parade, a “Stay Ahead of the Parade 5k Run” is planned. Sponsored by the “Upper Keys Reporter” and Upper Keys YMCA to fund summer camp scholarships for junior marine biology and literacy initiatives, the race is expected to start at 9:30 a.m. To join in, contact Joyia Montanez at (305) 896-4956.
Independence Day at Holiday Isle, MM 84 oceanside, is expected to include live music at Kokomo and the Tiki Bar along with food, fun and frolicking. A fireworks show time has yet to be confirmed.
Founders Park, MM 87 on Plantation Key, is to be the site of an annual celebration hosted by the Village of Islamorada. Activities for kids, teens, parents and dogs highlight the day. For an event schedule and more information, call (305) 853-1685.
In Marathon a patriotic parade is slated to start at 9 a.m. on U.S. 1 and proceed along Sombrero Beach Road (MM 50 oceanside) to Sombrero Beach, where a picnic and celebration featuring food, drink, kids’ crafts and entertainment lead into the night’s fireworks display. For more information, call the Marathon Chamber of Commerce at (305) 743-5417.
The Big Pine & Lower Keys Rotary Club’s annual Fourth of July fireworks are to take place at Sugarloaf Airport, MM 17 bayside on Sugarloaf Key, adjacent to the quirky Bat Tower. Live music headlined by 40 ft. Sharpie, food and cold beverages are to be accompanied by games and activities for both adults and kids.
Gates are scheduled to open at 5 p.m. and a fireworks show is set to sparkle at nightfall, or about 9 p.m. Admission is free, but no coolers, pets or personal fireworks will be allowed. For more information, call Cece at (305) 766-8467.
Key West’s 25th annual July 4 picnic to benefit Hospice of the Florida Keys and the Visiting Nurse Association is to take place at the luxurious Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club, 1500 Reynolds St. overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The celebration is scheduled to start at 5 p.m., with fireworks over the Atlantic set for 9 p.m.
The traditional buffet offers hamburgers, hot dogs and all the fixings for $25 per adult, $10 per child between the ages of 3 and 12, and free for children younger than 3. General admission tickets (no meal) are $10.
For an elegant alternative, attendees can choose reserved beachfront seats with first-class service and a fresh seafood buffet. Tickets for the “best seats on the beach” section are $100 per person.
The picnic also is to feature free watermelon, popcorn and cold drinks. Live music, a silent auction and lots of children’s games round out the fun-filled family festivities.
For information about the Casa Marina’s benefit picnic, call (305) 294-8812 or visit www.hospicevna.com.
A 5k Run/Walk, co-sponsored by Sheraton Suites Key West and Crime Stoppers of the Florida Keys, is set for 7:30 a.m. July 4. The event starts and ends at Smathers Beach on South Roosevelt Boulevard, where participants and spectators can enjoy the scenic waterfront along with food and refreshments. An awards ceremony is to be held at the Sheraton, located at 2001 S. Roosevelt Blvd.
Race registration is $20 in advance and $25 on race day. For information, call Barbara at (305) 240-0727.
For more information about events and lodging throughout the Florida Keys, visit the Florida Keys & Key West Web site at www.fla-keys.com.
