On July 4, 1776, we parted ways from Mother England, and our annual Independence Day celebrations have since degenerated into an exploration of new ways to maim ourselves with flammable goods. Fortunately, there are less injurious displays of patriotism; civilized, albeit crowded events, noisy and rife with parking jams, which no doubt will leave you flustered and screaming, "Why didn't we just stay home and barbecue?" Some of this year's awkward-midweek-holiday activities aren't not so hectic, and, well, some are, of course. In Tampa, you can see fireworks launched off a barge in Garrison Channel at 9 p.m. The best views are from Channelside Bay Plaza, Yacht Starship, the Florida Aquarium (which offers reduced admission after 5 p.m.). In Pinellas, head to Largo Central Park and the Pier for entertainment and pyrotechnics, or attend an old-fashioned small-town parade in Gulfport. Something different: The Tampa Bay History Center will offer free admission with reenactments and other U.S. history-related activities (tampabayhistorycenter.org).
Here's the lowdown on America's birthday celebrations and where to blow out those trick candles in the sky:
Pinellas
Clearwater Celebrates America Get your patriotic on with a concert by the Mostly Pops Orchestra and The Wilsons in one of the bay area's most scenic parks, on a bluff overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Music at 7:30 p.m.; children's activities 5-9 p.m. Night concludes with music-synchronized fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Free. Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater. myclearwater.com.
Gulfport's Fourth of July Celebration Family-fun activities include a fishing derby at the sea wall by the recreation center at 8 a.m., sand sculpting contest at 10 a.m., the town's annual auto show (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), craft area (4 p.m.), an live music (5 p.m.), parade 6 p.m. and fireworks finale (9 p.m.). Free. July 4 at 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Beach Boulevard. 727-893-1118.
Largo's Celebration DJ Pasek gets the crowd in the patriotic mood with children's activities and all sorts of food vending action, beginning 6 p.m. at Largo Central Park; fireworks at 9 p.m. No alcohol, coolers, pets or personal fireworks (not even sparklers, folks). Limited onsite parking is $5; nearby Largo Middle School and Largo High School parking is free. 101 Central Park Drive, largo.com.
Museum of Fine Arts' Fourth of July Celebration The party begins with the museum providing a great vantage point for the city's fireworks display. Music by Motel Funk, art in the Hazel Hough Wing, gourmet barbecue, iced tea and soft drinks, and a champagne toast, as well as a beer/wine cash bar. Wed., July 4, 6 p.m., $45 general admission, $36 for MFA members; 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg; 727-896-2667, fine-arts.org
The Pier's Annual 4th of July Extravaganza Rock, country, soul, even a banjo band are part of the all-day festivities on The Pier, plus face painting and Fritzy Bros one-man circus. This year attendees even get a chance to star in their own dance video thanks to "Dance Heads." End off the night with a dazzling fireworks display, compliments of the City of St. Pete! Free. stpetepier.com.
Safety Harbor's Fourth Annual 4th of July Parade The Auxiliary Unit of The American Legion Post 238 presents its patriotic, veteran-saluting procession at 10 a.m. on Wed., July 4; the route will be directly down Main Street in Safety Harbor from Second Avenue N. Festivities to follow at The American Legion Post 238 at 900 Main St. At 5 p.m., children's activities, live entertainment, food vendors can be enjoyed by the Safety Harbor Marina with Fireworks at 9 p.m. sharp. cityofsafetyharbor.com.
St. Pete Beach 4th of July Fireworks Display The City of St. Pete Beach launches the fireworks beginning at dark from a barge in the Gulf directly west of prime viewing spot, County Park (4700 Gulf Blvd., located at 47th Street across from the Dolphin Village Plaza). Normal beach and parking ordinances in effect. For more info, call 727-367-2735 or visit spbrec.com.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees What's more American than baseball? Cheer on our homeboys as they take on everyone's favorite over-dogs from the Big Apple. 3:10 p.m. Tropicana Field, downtown St. Pete, tampabayrays.mlb.com For a printable schedule, visit tampabayrays.mlb.com..
Tampa Bay Rowdies' Light Up the Bay Following the pro soccer match between FC Tampa Bay and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, fans can stick around Al Lang Stadium after the game for a great view of St. Pete's Fourth of July fireworks. Four-pack and individual tickets available. Wed., July 4, 6 p.m., $12-$45, Al Lang Stadium, 230 First St. S., 813-287-1539, rowdiessoccer.com.
Treasure Island's All-American Family Celebration Take part in Florida-style patriotic revelry on the beach. Live music, activities for all ages, American food favorites and contests highlight the event, and yep, there are fireworks at 9 p.m. $10 beach parking available. Wed., July 4, noon, Gulf Boulevard and 104th Avenue, 727-360-5537, mytreasureisland.org.
Tarpon Springs' Patriotic Picnic in the Park Start out the day with loads of fun on a scenic spot. Enjoy live entertainment, a water slide, free food, horse shoes, badminton, volleyball, hula hoop and watermelon-seed-spitting contests, sack races, hot dog-eating contest, balloon-launching contest, bubble gum-blowing contest and you can take the kids on outrigger rides in the bayou. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Wed., July 4, Craig Park, Craig Park, 5 Beekman Way, Tarpon Springs, 727-942-5628.
Hillsborough
American Victory Ship Family Fun Fest The historic battleship, located next to the Channelside firework barge, will offer arts and crafts projects, music, face painting, and contests and prizes for children. Mickey's Peanuts will provide an assortment of food options, and there will be a beer and wine tent. Wed., July 4, 6-10 p.m. , $12 for adults, $7 for children 12 and younger. 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa. americanvictory.org.
Channelside's Great American Holiday The 11th annual blowout has live music, entertainment, dining, nightlife and those pyrotechnics that light up the harbor at 9 p.m. Viewing of the Fireworks from the Wharf Area will be limited the first 3,000 people — wristbands are mandatory; given out for access at the Garrison Street Gate at 7 pm. Park at the garage across the street from the complex or in open lots between Channelside and St Pete Times Forum. Or, consider taking the under-utilized streetcars, aka trolleys, from Downtown Tampa or Ybor City. Like other free events today, they want to make a buck so no coolers. channelsidebayplaza.com.
Handmade in America Local artisans gather for a timely themed show at the lovely little Singing Stone Gallery & Studio in Ybor. Look for the jewelry of co-owner Dan Balk in a multimedia show with a wide array of traditions that make up America's cultural heritage. The juried exhibition will showcase contemporary jewelry as well as photography, paintings, glass, fiber, wood, ceramics, and metals and mixed-media. Opening reception July 4, 5-7 p.m.; on display through Sept. 1. 1903 N 19th St., Ybor City, 813-247-2787, singingstoneonline.com.
Lowry Park's Red, White and Zoo Week From July 1 to July 7, Lowry Park Zoo will take the whole week to appreciate the military and celebrate the Fourth of July with Red, White and Zoo Week. Members of the military and up to three dependents will be granted free admission with a military I.D. Red, White and Zoo Week will start July 1 with American Zoo Day, which will offer a scavenger hunt and ice cream, and will end July 7 with a Teddy Bear Picnic from 5 to 7 p.m. Lowry Park Zoo is at 1101 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa, lowryparkzoo.com.
Tampa Bay History Center's Free Celebration For the third year, the history center's free day will feature costumed re-enactors from the Civil War, Seminole War, Spanish American War, and World War II, talking about the hands-on displays of artifacts and uniforms, alongside crafts and live music. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Watch the Channelside fireworks display at 9 p.m. from the center's waterfront Terrace and air-conditioned Atrium. Refreshments available at the facility's Columbia Cafe, and the downtown Riverwalk is nearby, or bring a blanket and spread out in Cotanchobee Park, just outside the History Center's front door, 801 Old Water St., Tampa, tampabayhistorycenter.org.
Temple Terrace Fourth of July Parade and Celebration Start the big day by waving your little flags as a 2-mile parade strolls by. After, enjoy food, live entertainment and fireworks. The parade route begins at Whiteway Drive and Gillette Avenue, heads south on Gillette to Druid Hills Road, then turns west to Ridgedale Avenue and veers south, dispersing in the parking lot of Temple Terrace Elementary School. Begin gathering for fireworks at 7 p.m. at the first fairway of the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club. Free. Wed., July 4, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. ltice@templeterracechamber.com, 813-989-7004.
USF's A Star Spangled Salute to America's Heroes Enjoy the Florida Wind Band performing patriotic classics two days before the holiday. Mon., July 2, 7:30 p.m. USF MUS Concert Hall, USF-Tampa, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa; $8-$15. 813-974-2323.
Elsewhere …
Anna Maria Island Three-Day Fireworks Spectacular At Mar Vista, celebrate the second Annual Boom-Boom on the Bay after dark on July 2. The Beachhouse Fireworks Extravaganza is July 3, and the Sandbar Fireworks Grand Finale is July 4th. facebook.com/amichamber.
Freedom Fest at Wiregrass Mall Note: This East Pasco celebration happens the day before the big holiday and includes a bicycle parade, shopping specials, band competition, contests and a grand fireworks finale at 9 p.m., Tue., July 3, 4 p.m., shopsatwiregrass.com.
Red, Brick and Boom For those willing to drive out to Winter Haven, Legoland Florida will be celebrating the Independence Day with a unique optical effect. As fireworks go off in the amusement park, 3D glasses will be distributed that will make the typical Fourth of Day pyrotechnics look like millions of exploding bricks. One Legoland Way, Winter Haven; florida.legoland.com/en.
Sparklebration at Pasco County Fairgrounds Enjoy the country-style live entertainment, games and fireworks you'd see in the montage of a Toby Keith video. 4-10 p.m. 36722 State Road 52, Dade City; $5, adults, and free for kids 12 and younger; parking, $5. Lawn chairs and blankets welcome but no alcohol, coolers, pets or personal fireworks allowed. pascocountyfair.com.
This article appears in Jun 28 – Jul 4, 2012.