Fireworks light up the sky over Sarasota Bay during last year’s Fourth of July celebration. STAFF PHOTO / THOMAS BENDER
Watching fireworks on the Fourth of July might just be the greatest of American traditions. Fortunately, there are numerous explosive celebrations, many accompanied by concerts and other fun activities, happening this weekend. From beaches to ballparks, here are the best spots to enjoy patriotic pyrotechnics in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties.
Sarasota
Fireworks at Marina Jack
It's going to be a wild night in downtown with the fireworks, which can also be viewed from the water, part of the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix.
9 p.m. Saturday; Marina Jack; 2 Marina Plaza; Sarasota; sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.org
All American Barbecue: An Independence Day Celebration
Watch the fireworks in style at Selby Gardens. There will be live music by blues singer Lauren Mitchell, American-inspired cuisine by Brick’s BBQ, Polo Grill’s Texas Taco Stand, Michael’s on East and La Dona Donuts, plus family-friendly activities for the children.
6 p.m. Saturday; Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota; $30 (members), $35 (non-members), $150 (VIP), free for children age 11 and younger; 366-5731; selby.org
Siesta Key Fireworks Celebration
For the 25th year the Siesta Key Chamber has produced its own fireworks show with the organization saying its fireworks display on Saturday will be the "largest in the state of Florida." VIP Party tickets start at $75 per person.
5-8 p.m (party), 9 p.m. Saturday; Siesta Key Public Beach, 948 Beach Road, Sarasota; 349-3800; siestakeychamber.com
North Port Freedom Festival
Fireworks with food and vendor booths, a family activity area with an obstacle course and tropical slide, plus a performance by nationally-acclaimed Americana act Have Gun, Will Travel, from Bradenton, are all part of the North Port Freedom Festival.
6 p.m. Saturday; North Port High School, 6400 W. Price Blvd., North Port; 429-3555; cityofnorthport.com
Venice's Fourth of July Fireworks
The annual fireworks display takes place shortly after sunset, when fireworks will be shot from the South Jetty. The display can be seen along the beaches in Venice and Nokomis as well as other places in the city with prime viewing locations including Sharky’s on the Pier and Fins (1600 S. Harbor Drive) and the adjacent Venice Fishing Pier.
9 p.m. Saturday; Venice South Jetty; 999-1415; venicegov.com
Fireworks exploding on Fourth of July over Manatee River are visible from Bradenton and Palmetto. STAFF PHOTO / THOMAS BENDER
Manatee
Bradenton Marauders
Celebrate Independence Day on July 3 with the Marauders playing the Charlotte Stone Crabs at McKechnie Field. The celebration will feature post-game fireworks presented by Bright House Networks and Budweiser and the Marauders will be playing in camouflage jerseys available for auction.
6:30 p.m. Friday; McKechnie Field, 1611 9th St. W., Bradenton; $6-$8; 747-3031; bradentonmarauders.com
Palmetto Fourth Festival
The only thing more American than fireworks on the Fourth? Fireworks preceded by performances by country music stars. Craig Campbell (the “Keep Them Kisses Comin’ singer we interviewed earlier this year) will perform at 5 p.m. followed at 7 p.m. by headliner Rodney Atkins ("Take a Back Road," "These Are My People," "If You're Going Through Hell") at Sutton Park, 6th Street West and 10th Avenue West, Palmetto. There will also be a "kids' zone" and vendor booths. Attendees are invited to stroll south to the Historic Green Bridge Fishing Pier on the Manatee River to watch the fireworks being launched at 9 p.m. These same explosions in the sky will also be viewable from most spots along the Bradenton Riverwalk (452 3rd Ave. W.).
4 p.m. Saturday; Sutton Park and Historic Green Bridge Fishing Pier; Palmetto; $5 cash donation at gate for concert or five food cans donation; free for children age 11 and younger; 723-4570; palmettofl.org
Fireworks Spectacular at Sandbar
The Chiles Restaurant Group had to cancel what would have been the 22nd annual fireworks show at The Beach House (200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach) because of birds nesting on the north end of the property. However, Chiles will continue with fireworks at his other restaurant, Sandbar, which will be hosting its 29th annual Fireworks Spectacular. Call for VIP options.
8 p.m. Saturday; Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria; 778-8709; sandbar.groupersandwich.com
Hundreds of people participated last year in the Freedom Swim in Charlotte Harbor. The day culminates with fireworks over the same waters. STAFF PHOTO / BETSY WILLIAMS
Charlotte
Independence Day Insanity at Charlotte Sports Park
The Charlotte Stone Crabs are celebrating the Fourth of July with a game against the Palm Beach Cardinals that includes a pre-game concert by Motown and funk cover band Gotta Luv It and a post-game fireworks show, as well as the little ones getting to run the bases and launch a ball. For $15 fans can receive a reserved level ticket and enjoy a two hour all-you-can-eat picnic with hot dogs, pulled pork, pasta salad, baked beans and more. There is also a special $5 reserved level ticket being offered for the game. All ticket offers must be purchased at the box office or over the phone by 5 p.m. July 1.
5 p.m. (gate) 7 p.m. (first pitch) Saturday; Charlotte Sports Park; 2300 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte; 206-4487; stonecrabsbaseball.com
Fishermen’s Village 4th of July Celebration
The annual Freedom Swim on Charlotte Harbor begins at 10 a.m. with free trolley rides from North Bridge to Fishermen’s Village. Singer/guitarist Michael Hirst will be performing 11 a.m.-2 p.m. near Good ‘Ole Days Coffee Café. Harpoon Harry’s will celebrate the day with children's crafts and treats, bathing suit contests, drink and food specials and music by DJ George. The day culminates with the fireworks over Charlotte Harbor at 9 p.m.
10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda; 639-8721; fishville.com
Englewood Firecracker Festival
The Firecracker Festival has been relocated thsi year from Dearborn Street to Pioneer Park. All-American food such as burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork and fries as well as soft drinks and beer plus frozen strawberry daiquiris, pina coladas and margaritas will be available. Saturday's festivities begin at 10 a.m. and roll into the evening with a fireworks display over Lemon Bay.
Pioneer Park, Englewood; lemonbaysunriserotary.com
For additional Fourth of July activities in Charlotte County, visit charlotteharbortravel.com
Tow to Go
The service is designed to be used as a last resort and is offered based on availability of AAA service technicians and tow trucks during times of high call volume. Service includes confidential local ride within a 10-mile radius to a safe location. It’s free and available to both AAA members and non-members. The AAA tow truck takes the vehicle and the driver home. If you would like to use the Tow to Go program this Fourth of July weekend, the number to call is (855) 286-9246. The program is valid July 3 through 6 a.m. July 6.
