Fourth of July options abound
The Fourth of July holds special memories for most. Gathering in the backyard while the smell of what’s on 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.
All across Southwest Florida, communities and entities are planning on commemorating the Fourth:
• 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 Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce.
Veterans also will 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 $40 (youth $30) by July 3 and $45 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.
• Cape Coral American Legion
The American Legion Cape Coral will celebrate 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 of. 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.
• Mighty Mussels
The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels will host an Independence Day Weekend Fireworks Spectacular on July 3 that caps a multi-day celebration with promotions and two other nights of fireworks.
The July 3 postgame fireworks show, produced by Pennsylvania-based Pyrotecnico, is expected to last at least 12 minutes and will feature thousands of colorful pyrotechnics launched just beyond the right field fence.
“It will be the biggest fireworks show in the history of Hammond Stadium — hands down,” Mighty Mussels President Chris Peters said.
The July 3 game caps a weekend celebration that also includes post-game fireworks shows on Friday, June 30, and Sunday, July 2. Killebrew Root Beer, Estero Bay Chevrolet and Lee County Solid Waste are sponsoring the three fireworks shows.
All weekend, Mighty Mussels players will be wearing custom red, white and blue patriotic jerseys, which will be auctioned after the game to support Keep Lee County Beautiful, a nonprofit focused on improving, beautifying and protecting the environment.
“Other than Opening Night, our Independence Day Weekend celebration is probably the most anticipated homestand of the season,” said John Martin, majority partner of the Mighty Mussels. “You can catch a baseball game with your family, enjoy a burger or hot dog and stick around to watch fireworks light up the night sky… It doesn’t get any more American than that.”
Mighty Mussels tickets start at $10 and are available at MightyMussels.com.
• Freedom Fest Downtown Fort Myers
Celebrate the holiday is historic downtown Fort Myers with fun for the entire family at Freedom Fest from 6 to 10 p.m. Enjoy live music from Deb and the Dynamics, 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. A fireworks show is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. (weather permitting).
• Farmer Joe’s
Farmer Joe’s, Cape Coral’s Fresh Market, will host a 4th of July Customer Appreciation Day in their parking lot.
“We are beyond thrilled to celebrate the 4th of July with our incredible customers,” said owner Lee Snyder. “This Customer Appreciation Day is an opportunity for us to show our gratitude for the support we have received from the community. We invite everyone to join us for a day of family-friendly activities and free hamburgers and hot dogs for everyone. It’s our way of saying ‘Happy Independence Day.'”
Families can look forward to bounce houses, face painting, and much more. Attendees will be able to enjoy free hamburgers and hot dogs. Additionally, customers can take advantage of a blowout sale on select items throughout the store.
In addition to activities and food provided by Farmer Joe’s, this event will also include booths from select businesses and organizations in the community, including the Lee County Sheriff’s Office which will offer fingerprinting services for children, which can be a useful tool in case of an emergency.
This event is open to the public, and everyone is invited to join in the festivities. The store is at 1401 SW Pine Island Road.
For more information about Farmer Joe’s, visit www.farmerjoes.com.
• Fort Myers Brewing
Fort Myers Brewing Company is celebrating the Fourth of July holiday from June 29 to July 4 with “Red, White & FMBrews,” an Independence Day weekend celebration featuring six days of live music, food trucks and specialty beers.
Fort Myers Brewing will release two craft brews for the event: Prickly Paradise, a prickly pear guava sour, will be released on Friday, June 30, followed by Das Alligator, a doppelbock, on Saturday, July 1.
There will be local eats from food trucks such as Island Vibez, King’s Tacos & Burritos, South Pizza Co., Wicked Streatery, Dynamite Street EatZ and first-time visitor No Manches. Live performances will take place every evening featuring Wendell Ray, Jenny Ve, The Rowdy Bards, Jeff Lyons and more. The brewery is also releasing limited-edition Fourth of July swag, including custom patriotic tied-dyed T-shirts, available for purchase in the taproom.
The six-day celebration will be held at Fort Myers Brewing Company, 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Suite 28, in Fort Myers. For more information, visit Facebook.com/FMBrew or call 239-313-6576. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, as seats tend to fill up quickly.
• City of Sanibel
The city of Sanibel’s Recreation Department will host the 4th Family Fun Community Cookout on July 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sanibel Recreation Center on Sanibel. Free and open to the public, it will feature games, a magician, pool party, an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, music and more.
Gabby Cooper Angeles, program coordinator with the Sanibel Recreation Center and Recreation Department, explained that the annual parade and fireworks display are not taking place this year due Hurricane Ian, so the city council asked staff to organize an alternative event to mark the holiday.
“It’s free to the community,” she said. “Anyone can come, off-island or on-island.”
“There’s a lot of stuff going on,” Angeles added.
A magician, the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District and Hubbard Farm with its rescue animals, will be part of the festivites. There will be live entertainment from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and free treats, including pizza by Island Pizza, hot dogs from Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, ice cream by Boops By The Bubble Room and popcorn from the center. The Sanibel School is at 3840 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.
• 4th of July Freedom Fest in Lehigh
Victory Town Center will host a 4th of July Firework Show — a spectacular event designed to bring the community together in celebration of Independence Day. The third annual event will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. on July 4th at Victory Town Center, at 1201 Taylor Lane in Lehigh Acres. Attendees will have the opportunity to groove to the sounds of live music from homegrown talent with live performances by local bands -including the popular Lehigh Acres rock band “White Crow” — creating an electric atmosphere and showcasing the rich musical diversity and creativity of the community.
In addition to incredible live music, the 4th of July Fireworks Show will tantalize your taste buds with an array of delectable offerings from local food trucks and vendors. Attendees can relish the flavors of Southwest Florida cuisine while enjoying all the event has to offer. Organizers said emphasis on community ensures that this event supports and highlights the talents of our local culinary entrepreneurs. More than 10,000 individuals attended last year’s celebration.
• Star Spangled Bonita
The City of Bonita Springs invites the public to its annual Star-Spangled Bonita — 4th of July 2023 Event. The celebration will take place on July 4 in downtown Bonita Springs at Riverside Park at 10450 Reynolds St., starting at 6 p.m.
The Star-Spangled Bonita celebration will follow the annual parade hosted by the Bonita Springs Professional Firefighters Local 3444 on July 4th. This year’s theme is “Party in the USA.” The parade will take place starting at 9 a.m. along Old 41 on Tuesday, July 4th, 2023. For questions about the parade, call Frank Todd at 239-220-0593 or visit bonitaspringsparade.com.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com