From the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

4th of July 2008 guide

Sun-Sentinel

July 3 2008

Celebrate America's birthday in style at any of South Florida's 4th of July spectaculars. Enjoy concerts, food, crafts and, of course, fireworks at any of these spots from West Palm Beach to Miami.

Celebrate the 233rd year of America's independence at various South Florida locations. Family fun and fireworks are the main events (free unless otherwise indicated). Please do not bring alcoholic beverages, glass containers, sparklers, fireworks, animals and coolers.

Broward County Coral Springs: This Fourth of July Celebration includes games and entertainment for all ages from 6-9:30 p.m. There may be a small fee for some activities. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Sportsplex, east of Sawgrass Expressway between Sample Road and Royal Palm Boulevard. Parking is $3/car. coralsprings.org/events. 954-345-2200.

Davie: Start the fun at 10 a.m. with a free family splash pool party. A DJ will be spinning tunes poolside. In addition, there will be an arts and crafts show and World War I and II military tank, jeep and equipment show. Purchase food or bring your own; grills and tables are available. Country group Shadow Creek will kick off the evening festivities at 6 p.m. in the ball fields. Kids can enjoy bounce houses, climbing wall and free birthday cake in honor of this nation's big birthday party. Patriotic fireworks are at 9 p.m. Pine Island Park, 3800 SW 92nd Ave. davie-fl.gov. 954-797-1163.

Get to Vista View Park early for the best seats to view fireworks displays from across the county. Viewers will get a panoramic view from the park's hill, the highest man-made elevation in Broward County. See the fireworks displays from Davie, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Sunrise and possibly Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. Food vendors will be present. Don't forget to bring beach chairs and blankets. Parking is $5/car. 4001 SW 142nd Ave. , Davie. 954-370-3792.

Deerfield Beach: All-American Fourth of July happens from 4-10 p.m. Enjoy the holiday with childrens' activities and music from 1-4 p.m. and Final Countdown Band at 6 p.m. An oceanfront concert by Jay and the Americans is at 7:30 p.m. The Mad Bomber fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Main Parking Lot, Southeast First Street and Ocean Way, one block south of Hillsboro Boulevard. Complimentary parking at The Cove Shopping Center, 1500 E. Hillsboro Blvd. with shuttle service from 12-5 p.m. and 11 p.m.-12 a.m. At the beach, drop off and pick up will be at Ocean Way and Southeast Third Street. deerfield-beach.com. 954-480-4433.

Fort Lauderdale: Celebrate America's Independence by joining the festivities from 1-9:30 p.m. on Fort Lauderdale Beach. A DJ will be entertaining with contests and games starting at 1 p.m. on Southeast Fifth Street and A1A. A water balloon toss and hula-hoop contest will be part of the fun. Music will be provided by Storm Riders at 4:30 p.m. and The Bulldogs at 7:00 p.m. The sky lights up at 9:00 p.m. for this annual fireworks show which blasts off from a barge off A1A and Las Olas Boulevard. fortlauderdale.gov. 954-828-5363.

Hollywood: The Star-Spangled Spectacular kicks off at 3 p.m. on the Broadwalk with 101.5 Lite FM's live broadcast. Hollywood Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a patriotic medley from 6-7:15 p.m. at the Johnson Street Beach Theatre. Tropical rockers Jimmy Stowe & the Stowaways take the stage at 8 p.m. and after the fireworks. Family entertainment will include Police Pipe & Drum Corps, Riverside Dixieland Band, face painting, balloon twisting, and airbrush tatoos. Interact with Uncle Sam and other historical characters as they stroll along the Broadwalk. Offshore fireworks begin at 9 p.m. with 101.5 Lite FM simulcasting. Due to limited parking, it's recommended that you take advantage of the free shuttle operating from 4-8 p.m. between Fred Lippman Multi-Purpose Center, 2030 Polk Street and Johnson Street/A1A. Shuttles resume after the fireworks. 954-921-3404.

Margate: The theme of this year's parade is "Historical National Landmarks." It begins at 9 a.m. on the west end of Margate Boulevard at 76th Avenue and continues east to Golub Municipal Complex at 58th Avenue. Afterward, participate in the official ribbon cutting ceremony of the "Margate Boulevard Streetscape Project." Complimentary hot dogs and refreshments will be served. The 9 p.m. fireworks display will be at a new location this year: east side of State Road 7 at Margate Boulevard (the former Swap Shop property). margatefl.com. 954-972-6458.

Miramar: This family-oriented celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. with the top 40 music of singer Dee Dee Wilde, inflatable rides and face painting. Family Olympics with "All American Apple Pie Eating" and "Bubble Gum Blowing" contests is at 6 p.m. Kids and parents can compete for prizes. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Fireworks display starts promptly at 9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Miramar Regional Park, 16801 Miramar Parkway. 954-704-1631.

Pembroke Pines: Enjoy rides, arts and crafts and food starting at 7 p.m. The Wise Guys will perform a free concert. Fireworks display lights up the sky at 9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Pines Recreation Center, 7400 Pines Blvd. ppines.com. 954-435-6525.

Plantation: Proud to Be an American Celebration begins with a parade 9 a.m. at West Broward Boulevard and Northwest 46th Ave., traveling west to Northwest 69th Avenue and ending at City Hall. Children's carnival with rides starts at 5:30 p.m. Tops 40's band The Fabulons performs at 7:30 p.m., followed by Zambelli Internationale fireworks at 9 p.m. Hot dogs, burgers, soda sales benefit Plantation Athletic League. Central Park Ball Fields, 9151 NW Second St. plantation.org. 954-452-2510.

Pompano Beach: Groove to DJ's spinning tunes starting at 7 p.m. The Fireworks Extravaganza is 9 p.m. north of the fishing pier, 222 Pompano Beach Blvd. (A1A north of Atlantic Boulevard). mypompanobeach.org/events. 954-786-4111.

Sunrise: Grand marshal Stanley C. Panther will lead a patriotic parade with colorful floats and costumed characters 10 a.m. from Northwest 12th Street along Sunset Strip to City Park, Northwest 64th & 68th avenues. Tennis players can try their hand at a tournament 10 a.m. at Sunrise Tennis Club, 9605 W. Oakland Park Blvd. Cost is $12-$15. Festivities are from 6-10 p.m. at BankAtlantic Center parking lots and will include bands Nobody's Fault and Love Child, bounce house, jugglers, face painters, inflatable slap shot and food vendors. Florida Panthers and Ice Dancers will be joining the fun. Fireworks are at 9 p.m. Lawn chairs and umbrellas are permitted. BankAtlantic Center, One Panther Parkway. sunrisefl.gov. 954-747-4600.

Tamarac: The All-American Celebration from 6-9:30 p.m. will feature family games, a concert by Valerie Tyson Band, amusement rides and free patriotic giveaways. Betsy Ross and Uncle Sam will be in attendance. Purchase refreshments from the local vendors. Fireworks display starts at 9 p.m. Parking with shuttle service starting from 5-8 p.m. will be at City Hall and Tamarac Community Center. Return will immediately follow the event. Tamarac Sports Complex, 9901 NW 77th St. tamarac.org. 954-597-3620.

Weston: Broward Health Weston and the City of Weston start the holiday with the annual 7:00 a.m. 5K Run/Walk which begins and ends at Weston Town Center. For more information log on to splitsecondtiming.com or call them at 954-384-7521. The Hometown Fourth of July Parade kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with the theme of "Celebrating the Spirit of Volunteerism." The route begins at Town Center Boulevard and Three Village Road and continues on Main Street in the Town Center. Call the Weston Community Center for more information at 954-389-4321.

Palm Beach County Boca Raton: It's a Fabulous Fourth from 6-9:30 p.m. with something for everyone. Family Activities start at 6 p.m. and there's "You're a Grand Old Flag" stage show at 6:30 p.m. The Florida Wind Symphony is scheduled to perform at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks go off at 9 p.m. Florida Atlantic University Campus, 777 Glades Road, (just east of Interstate 95 and Glades Road or 20th Street entrance). ci.boca-raton.fl.us/rec/specialevents/. 561-393-7806.

Boynton Beach: Salute to Independence Celebration takes place from 6:30-9:30 p.m. There will be live music and food vendors on site. Grucci fireworks light up at 9 p.m. Intracoastal Park, Federal Highway, south of Gateway Boulevard. Free park and ride will be at Bank of America, Federal Highway and East Ocean Avenue from 6-10 p.m. boynton-beach.org. 561-742-6246.

Delray Beach: Check out the annual sand sculpting contest from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on the beach at Ocean Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue. Enjoy a free concert from 2:30-8 p.m. on the beach, Atlantic Avenue and A1A. Decorate your bike at 3 p.m. at Veterans Park (Atlantic Avenue and Intracoastal) because the patriotic bike and scooter parade leaves the park at 4 p.m. Don't miss the Wild One 100 foot obstacle course from 4-8 p.m. at Atlantic Avenue and A1A. Delectable food and beverages will be available for purchase from local restaurants. Grucci fireworks celebration at 9 p.m. on beach, Atlantic Avenue and A1A. downtowndelraybeach.com. 561-279-1380 ext. 17.

Greenacres: Ignite the Night, from 5:30-10 p.m., will feature amusement rides ($15 unlimited), family games and music by Tony & Totall Kontroll. Food will be available for purchase. Pull up your lawn chairs, sit back and relax to the bang and boom of the fireworks at 9 p.m. Greenacres Community Park, Jog Road, one block north of 10th Avenue. Shuttle service, 5:30-10:30 p.m., from Greenacres Community Center, 501 Swain Boulevard and Old City Hall, 5985 10th Ave. North. ci.greenacres.fl.us. 561-642-2181. Lake Worth: Tropic Fest is a celebration of Independence Day and Lake Worth's birthday from 12-10 p.m. Enjoy the day with live entertainment, arts and crafts, food and family fun. Neighboring raft regatta is at 11 a.m. Zambelli fireworks display is at 9 p.m. Bryant Park, Golfview Drive at Lake Avenue on the Intracoastal. lwchamber.com. 561-582-4401.

Lantana: Family fun takes place from 6-10 p.m. Children's activities, games, live music and food will be available. Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. at Bicentennial Park, East Ocean Avenue at the Intracoastal. Parking is available at the K-mart parking lot at Hypoluxo Road and Dixie Highway, with a trolley traveling to and from the activities. lantana.org. 561-540-5015.

Palm Beach County: Be part of the first July 4th celebration at Sunset Cove Amphitheater. An opening ceremony at 6:30 p.m. kicks off the festivities. Private Stock will be performing hits from the 40's to the present in a two-hour concert. Then, at 9 p.m. the twenty-five minute fireworks extravaganza will be synchronized to patriotic music. Tune into 97.9 WRMF. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Food vendors will be on site. 12551 Glades Rd., Boca Raton (accessed by Glades Road only). pbcparks.com. 561-488-8069.

Wellington: Take a dip at the Patriotic Pool Party from 12-5 p.m. (Aquatics Complex, 12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) There will be music, games and giveaways. Regular pool entrance fees apply. A Family Fourth is scheduled from 6-9:30 p.m. at Village Park. Some highlights: games, inflatable rides, face painting, prizes and fun foods for purchase. Unlimited ride bracelets are available for $5. Live musical performances will be by Bob Hoose and Orchestra. Catch the free shuttle bus transportation from the Wellington Green Mall Green Palm Tran bus stop. Zambelli Fireworks International will play to music at 9 p.m. 11700 Pierson Road. ci.wellington.fl.us. 561-791-4005 ext. 0.

West Palm Beach: Fourth on Flagler will be celebrating two decades of fun. Enjoy continuous entertainment from 5-9 p.m. on the South Stage (Flagler Drive off Fern Street) and Meyer Amphitheatre Stage (Flagler and Datura streets). Sabor Latino and their Latin salsa as well as Top 40 Remix and Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach will be performing. The Kids' Stage can be found in Palm Beach Post Park (Flagler Drive and Fern Street). Additional highlights: Salute Our Troops opening ceremony 5 p.m., unfurling of a giant American flag 8:50 p.m., and lots of food and refreshments. The Firefighters' Splash & Dash Competition will also be part of the fun, taking place 5:15-6:30 p.m. on Flagler Drive, south of Fern Street. National City fireworks will go off at 9 p.m., providing a backdrop to 50 American flags waving proudly along the Flagler Drive waterfront. The Wild 95.5 Hour will feature Simple Plan at 9:25 p.m. wpb.org. 561-822-1515.

Miami-Dade County Aventura: These All-American fireworks can be viewed promptly at 9 p.m. from any location along the Country Club Drives. Rain date is 9 p.m. Sat. cityofaventura.com. 305-466-8930.

Coconut Grove: The All-Day Celebration kicks off at 4 p.m. with children's activities and play area, in addition to DJ David. Blue Man Grove plays at 6 p.m, with First October following at 7 p.m. Fireworks display begins at 9 p.m. Peacock Park, 2820 McFarlane Road. 305-444-7270.

Doral: Parade begins at 10 a.m. and travels from Doral Costa Office Park (HSBC Building), 9800 NW 41st St., headed west to Northwest 102nd Avenue, then to Doral Park, 5300 NW 102nd Ave. Later on a picnic and concert takes place at JC Bermudez Park, 3000 NW 87th Ave. Live entertainment, carnival rides and games, face painting, food and refreshments, and a fireworks show will be part of the festivities. cityofdoral.com. 305-593-6611.

Hialeah: Freestyle Explosion will showcase Johnny O, Erotic Exotic, Voice in Fashion and Sequal starting at 6 p.m. DJ Mikey Machete will be spinning. Don't miss the fireworks/laser show at 9 p.m. Milander Park, 4700 Palm Ave. hialeahfl.gov. 305-889-5701. Miami-Dade Parks will be hosting their annual celebration from 1-10 p.m. at Amelia Earhart Park, 401 East 65th St., Hialeah. Local hip-hop and Latin musicians will provide the entertainment. Park amenities such as mountain bike trail, farm village, paddle boat rides, dog park and food will also be available. Fireworks light up the sky at 9:30 p.m. Parking is $10/car, $15/bus or RV. 305-685-8389.

Miami: Enjoy a children's play area all day at Bayfront Park. Food and beverages may be purchased. A fireworks show over moonlit Biscayne Bay is scheduled for 9 p.m. 301 N. Biscayne Blvd. 305-358-7550.

Miami Beach: Fourth of July Patriotic Celebration with fireworks will be at 9:00 p.m. on the beach at Eighth Street and Ocean Drive, South Beach. Free bus shuttle transportation will be from 5:00-11:00 p.m. from Collins Avenue and 72nd and 81st streets to Washington Avenue and 11th Street. Come early with beach chairs and towels. 305-673-7400.

North Miami: The Bay Celebration promises to provide fun for the whole family. Gates at Florida International University open at 6 p.m. for Radio Disney's children's games and prizes. North Miami Community Concert Band and local r&b and pop/rock performers will entertain the crowd. Food may be purchased, but do bring chairs, blankets and bug spray. Spectacular fireworks over Biscayne Bay will proceed at approximately 9 p.m. Everything takes place rain or shine. FIU Biscayne Campus, 3000 NE 151st St. northmiamifl.gov. 305-891-4636.

South Miami: This annual event, starting at 5 p.m., will feature live music, children's games and food vendors. Palmer Park, 6120 SW 67th Ave. Fireworks display begins at 9:15 p.m. 305-663-6319.

Surfside: July Fourth Celebration, which begins at 4 p.m., will include water slides, food and fun. Rhythm City and Roberto Obregon will provide the entertainment. Zambelli Internationale fireworks will begin promptly at 9 p.m. Surfside residents or hotel guests are admitted free (with ID), otherwise, admission is adults $8 and ages 14 and younger $5. Best Western Hardpack Beach, 9365 Collins Ave. 305-866-3635