Celebration
Happy Birthday, America!
America has its 241st birthday this July 4, a Tuesday. Southwest Floridians celebrate the occasion with parades, festivals and fireworks. Here’s our list of Independence Day festivities to mark on your calendar.
BONITA SPRINGS, July 4
Star Spangled Bonita, Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St. Children’s area to include a giant waterslide, bounce house, amusement rides, Slip 'N slide, water tag, train rides, facepainting, wrecking ball, high striker and more. Watermelon and ice cream eating contests. Free admission, food and beverages for purchase. No coolers or pets. 239-949-6262, cityofbonitasprings.org
CAPE CORAL, July 4
The Cape’s Red, White & Boom! (5-10:30 p.m.) is at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge (bridge closes at 3 p.m.). Stage music and food, fun stuff for kids; expect a large turnout. The Storm Smart American Fireworks Spectacular begins at 9:30 p.m., music synchronized to Cat Country 107.1. Free admission, no personal fireworks, no pets or outside alcohol. North end of Cape Coral Parkway closed from 3 a.m. July 4 until 3 a.m. July 5. Cape Coral Freedom 5K Run (July 4, 7:30 a.m., freedom5kcc.com). 239-573-3128, capeboom.com
CAPTIVA, July 1
South Seas Island Resort fireworks (9 p.m.), guests only, resort golf course. View the fireworks from Alison Hagerup Beach at the end of Sanibel-Captiva Road, southseas.com
FORT MYERS, July 4
Fort Myers River District Freedom Fest/ Patriotic Auto Show (4-10 p.m.). Trim your car/truck/motorcycle in red, white and blue for the motor show, family fun and fireworks in the River District. Free. 855-732-3836, fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
FORT MYERS BEACH, July 4
Parade at 9:30 a.m. along Estero Boulevard, between School Street and the Times Square area. The Matanzas Pass bridge closes 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Festivities in the Times Square area and the length of the beach. Evening fireworks best viewed from Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier. Free. 239-454-7500, fortmyersbeach.org
MARCO ISLAND, July 4
Fireworks display, 9:30 p.m., Residents’ Beach, 130 S. Collier Blvd. Free. 239-389-5000, cityofmarcoisland.com
NAPLES, July 4
Parade at 10 a.m., Broad Avenue South. Colorful floats and costumed performers, finishing at 8th Avenue South. Naples Pier fireworks synchronized to patriotic musical selections simulcast on WAVV 101.1 FM. Free. 239-213-7120, naplesgov.com Sugden Regional Park, ice cream social begins at 2 p.m. No pets, bring lawn chairs or blankets. 239-252-4000
PUNTA GORDA, July 4
Laishley Park (11a.m. to 9:30 p.m). Waterslides, stage music and fireworks. 941-637-5953, puntagordafireworks.com Fishermen’s Village (10 a.m.). Live music and dancing, Harpoon Harry’s kid crafts, treats and face-painting, bathing suit and Hula Hoop contests. Admission and parking free. 941-639-8721, fishville.com
SANIBEL, July 4
Independence Day Celebration (7 a.m.) free pancake breakfast at the Sanibel Community Church, parade Periwinkle Way starting at 9:30 a.m. Sanibel-Captiva Optimist Club Road Rally/ scavenger hunt, Timbers restaurant, starts at 12 p.m. Fireworks over the Sanibel Causeway, beginning at 9 p.m. Free admission. 239-472-1080, sanibel-captiva.org