The Fourth of July holds special memories for most. Gathering in the backyard while the smell of the grill wafts through the air. Gazing into the night sky in awe, as colorful bursts illuminate above. Tossing the ball around and going for a swim.

Many of America’s favorite pastimes are rolled into one big shebang to celebrate the independence of our country.

The mind goes back to a youthful time, no matter what your age may be. Stirring memories of neighborhood parties, when everyone knew everyone — the smell of barbecue and smoke from the sparklers dancing past your nose. The first time your eyes looked to the sky and suddenly — boom! — it was pure magic.

We all hold onto these magic moments, and we’re able to feel just a bit on July 4th each year.

Here in Cape Coral, and in Southwest Florida, the Fourth can be celebrated to its fullest extent between the beautiful weather, abundance of events and firework tents popping up across the region.

Whether you plan on kicking back and relaxing at home or getting out early to snag a good seat for the fireworks show, we can all appreciate the freedoms our founding fathers adopted in the Declaration of Independence back in 1776 that we continue to try and instill in today’s day and age.

Red, White & BOOM!

The single biggest event the Cape puts on every year, Red, White & BOOM!, is the largest fireworks display in all of Southwest Florida.

Tens of thousands of people will come together at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge to watch the “American Fireworks Spectacular,” where the largest show to date will fill the night sky, all while synchronized to music.

“I think this is the most powerful community event we put on,” said Cape Coral Special Events Coordinator Todd King. “Everyone comes out for the Fourth of July. It’s about our country, our community, and our city. Just the sea of people and the energy, music, and lights — we’re just looking forward to a spectacular evening.”

The free festivities will start at 5 p.m., kicking off with DJ Quest at 5:15, Cape Coral resident and budding country artist Jaid Johnson at 6:30, and national headliner and country music group LOCASH at 8 p.m.

Johnson, 17, who performs around the Cape and Southwest Florida area when she’s not honing her craft in Nashville, said she’s excited to be part of an event she’s been fond of and has attended in prior years.

“I am so excited,” Johnson said. “It’s a really awesome event and I can’t wait to perform.”

Her sharing the stage with LOCASH can be called a full-circle moment, as the Wisconsin native actually opened for the country star duo years ago when she was just 12.

“It’s going to be really cool to open for them again and bring back some memories,” Johnson said.

As how most artists get their start, Johnson said she began playing local venues in Wisconsin and really enjoyed the aspect of songwriting, something she said she picked up from her great grandfather. She would play a lot with her uncle’s band at a young age, furthering her passion for music.

“Ever since then, I just kept doing it,” Johnson said. “I’ve been honored to take a few trips up to Nashville at a young age and now I’m able to go every month and do what I love.”

Johnson said hard work, being in the right place at the right time, and making the right connections, have attributed to her early success.

“I met a songwriter that was very well known in Nashville and they started taking me there. It was a yearly thing,” Johnson recalled. “More people started believing in me and wanted me to come up more and more.”

Now, Johnson is traveling to Nashville regularly.

“I believe that if you work hard, people will see it,” Johnson said. “Especially for me, I believe that God sees it and it just has happened that way.”

A Cape Coral local for nearly six years, Johnson said she tried to write and play as much as possible and continue to build connections.

“I’m just trying to improve in every skill that I can,” she said. “My dream has been forever to just get as many people to hear my music as there needs to be, and for me that’s singing the songs I write for the whole world. I’m shooting big and I know it’s going to take a lot of work, but that’s my goal.”

Johnson said she takes inspiration from classic rock and roll and country music.

“If you like something that’s rockin’ you definitely have to listen to my music,” she said. “I’ve always had an older soul, and I try to keep it honest and write something true and hope that it relates to other people if it relates to me.”

Johnson can be found played at Cass Cay in Burnt Store Marina, Fins in Cape Coral, in Matlacha and around Southwest Florida.

Johnson’s performance dates can be found on her Facebook and Instagram pages (@jaid.johnson).

She added the Independence Day performance in front of tens of thousands is going to be a special moment.

“It’s a huge honor,” she said. “I’m going to be playing while remembering those that have made it possible for us to have our freedoms. I’m really grateful and it’s going to be really fun.”

Headliner LOCASH, who performed at the event in 2019, is a country duo made up of Chris Lucas and Preston Brust. The pair has charted seven singles of the Billboard Hot Country Songs or Country Airplay charts. Their single, “I Love This Life,” charted No. 1 on US Country Airplays in 2016.

“LOCASH was one of the best party country party bands we had ever booked for this show, and we’re hoping for more of the same,” King said. “We think they’re going to put on an amazing show for us.”

The “American Fireworks Spectacular” that propels more than 4,000 shells into the sky starts at 9:30 and is a musically synchronized display. The music can be heard at the stage, on Cat Country 107.1 or on the free iHeartRadio app via Cat Country.

As for why this is the best firework show in Southwest Florida, King offered three reasons: “You can come by land or sea. It is what I would consider the largest show in Southwest Florida and I think we have more shells than any other display. And it’s synchronized to music on the radio. I think we’re one of the only shows that simulcasts with a radio station.”

Limited VIP “Boom Passes” went on sale May 3 but are now sold out.

“What makes the Fourth of July special is that we can set aside a lot of differences as Americans and land on one important thing: that we are one nation and we can celebrate together the birth of this beautiful nation,” King said.

Parking and shuttles to Red, White & BOOM! are at the following locations:

• Club Square

• Iguana Mia

• Former Veterans Museum

• Big John’s Plaza

There will be a free “Boom Bus” with handicap accessibility picking up individuals at all downtown parking lots from 4:15 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

The Cape Coral Bridge will be closed for the celebration from 3 a.m. Monday, July 4, through 3 a.m. Tuesday, July 5. Cape Coral Parkway from Del Prado Boulevard to the bridge will also be closed at that time. Motorists are encouraged to use the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge or the U.S. 41 and Business 41 bridges as alternate routes. The American Fireworks Spectacular is powered by LCEC, Martin Law Firm, and the Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association.

Coolers with non-alcoholic beverages are permitted. No pets are allowed.

Visit www.capeboom.com for more information.

Freedom 5K

The Priority Business Solutions Freedom 5K Run/Walk and Gunterberg Charitable Foundation Kid’s Fun Run take place the morning of Independence Day.

Each year, a portion of the proceeds raised from the event is donated back to two veteran organizations. This year’s recipients are The Brotherhood of Heroes Resource Center and Museum in Cape Coral and the Special Operations Communicators Association.

“In addition to online donations, 100 percent of the proceeds from our track signs honoring veterans will be donated to the Brotherhood of Heroes and the Special Operations Communicators Association,” said Donna Germain, president and CEO of the Chamber.

To recognize a past or present military member, individuals can purchase a track sign at www.freedom5kcc.com. Veterans will also be honored during the awards presentation with a commemorative challenge coin presented by Coral Ridge Funeral Home and Cemetery.

Participants in the 5K will take their marks and head out at 7 a.m. from the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge. The kid’s fun run (for those 12 and under) will begin immediately following the completion of the 5K.

Awards will be given in a multitude of categories. Fun run participants will be given ribbons and T-shirts.

Registration is now open and is $30 (youth $25) by July 3 and $40 for all on the day of the race. Veterans can register for the race for $20. Fun run registration is $10.

For more information and to register, visit www.freedom5Kcc.com.

The Westin: a stay with a view

For those in Cape Coral this Fourth of July, The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village will host a new dinner and boat cruise event at the property’s onsite restaurant, The Nauti Mermaid.

For $125 a person, guests will receive full access to a decadent dinner buffet, an open bar of wine, beer and soft drinks, and a boat ride on the Silver King to see the Red, White & BOOM fireworks show on the water. The boat cruise will also offer special treats on board for guests.

“The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village is the perfect place to experience the energy of Fourth of July waterside, especially with the property offering breathtaking views of the city’s spectacular fireworks show from many of the resort’s rooms,” said Westin Cape Coral General Manager Barry Kadel. “This year, we also have a special holiday event we know locals will love, conveniently located on property at our waterfront seafood restaurant.”

Attendees can expect true American cookout items at a dinner buffet in addition to unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks, followed by a boat cruise on the Silver King to see firsthand the Red, White & BOOM! fireworks show right on the water.

“Once aboard, we’ll have all you could need to keep the celebrations going, including snacks, dessert, unlimited canned cocktails and more,” Kadel added. “We’re always happy to bring our community and locals together to celebrate the holidays at Westin Cape Coral Resort, and this event will be one for the books. When looking for where to go or what to do this year for an elevated Fourth of July experience, Westin Cape Coral Resort has you covered.”

A spot can be reserved for this Independence Day event by calling 239-541-5942. The Westin Cape Coral at Marina Village is at 5951 Silver King Blvd. For more information and bookings, visit www.westincapecoral.com.

Cape Coral American Legion

The American Legion Cape Coral is celebrating Monday, July 4, at Post 90 at 1401 S.E. 47th Street in Cape Coral. There will also be a blood drive. The public is invited.

A flag retirement ceremony begins at 11a.m. by the Post Honor Guard. Attendees are encouraged to bring old unserviceable flags to be properly disposed. The blood drive will start at noon and continue to 5 p.m. At 1 p.m., hot dogs and hamburgers will be served. Lunch is free but donations are appreciated. There will be live music provided by the “Bob and Bob” show.

There also will be a raffle with five chances to win $100. Drawings will take place every hour from 5 to 9PM. Raffle tickets are $5 or $20 for five tickets.

Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, home of the Minnesota Twins affiliate Mighty Mussels, will treat baseball-lovers to a weekend of firework extravaganzas in honor of Independence Day.

On July 2 and 3, a firework show will immediately follow the ending of the Mighty Mussels game.

The accomplished Fort Myers team will play host to the Dunedin with each game starting at 7 p.m. Saturday’s game is also Beerfest Day, Animal Cruelty Awareness night, and Team USA Night and jersey auction. Also on Saturday, fans in attendance will receive a special red, white and blue Mussels T-shirt. Tickets can be purchased online at www.milb.com, or at the box office, which opens 60 minutes before each game, or by calling 239-768-4210. Parking is $10. Hammond Stadium at the CenturyLink Sports Complex at 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway.

Downtown Fort Myers

Celebrate the holiday is historic downtown Fort Myers with fun for the entire family at Freedom Fest. Enjoy live music from Thunder Beach Band, food trucks, local artisan vendors, and a fantastic firework display to finish off the evening.

The celebration will take place on Edwards Drive between Jackson and Hendry Street and is free to attend.

Fort Myers Beach

The Fourth of July parade is on Fort Myers Beach Estero Boulevard beginning at Bay Oaks at 2731 Oak Street to downtown at 10 a.m.

The roads and the Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Public parking at Bay Oaks and the Fort Myers Beach Public Library is not permitted from 7:30 a.m. until noon due to the streets being used for parade staging, the town announced

Fireworks beginning at 9 p.m. at Times Square. The Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed to incoming traffic at 9 until 11:30 p.m.

Pine Island

The Pine Island American Legion will sponsor the island’s Fourth of July event, which starts with a parade and concludes with a fantastic fireworks display at the American Legion.

After the parade, The Elks will provide hot dogs and a cold drink, (free of charge) to children who participated in the parade, and food and beverages will be available to all others for a nominal price.

The American Legion will be open to the public all day, with musical entertainment and food available all afternoon into the early evening (or as long as the supply lasts). Free ice cream for the children will also be available prior to the fireworks. Adult beverages, water and soft drinks are available for purchase. Fireworks will begin at dusk, weather permitting.

The American Legion Post is at 4106 Stringfellow Road, St. James City.

Sanibel/Islands

Festivities on Sanibel also will include a parade and fireworks.

The 30th Annual Independence Day Parade will kick off at 9:30 a.m. The parade route will start out at Tarpon Bay Road and Periwinkle Way and travel east on Periwinkle and exit at Casa Ybel Road. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spot and bring lawn chairs or blankets, bottled water, sunscreen and bug spray.

The city of Sanibel’s fireworks will launch at dusk from the beach at the end of Bailey Road. The site will not be open to the public. The best viewing will be from the Causeway Islands. Attendees are urged to arrive early to secure parking.

–Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj