Whoop! Whoop! It’s almost July 4th! There is lots and LOTS of fun to be had on and around Anna Maria Island!

PARADE

The Anna Maria Island Privateers once again host their annual 4th of July Independence Day parade. It is a sight to see – in 2016 there were 115 parade entries and 850 participants, and an estimated 25,000 spectators!

When: Kick off at 10:00 Am at Coquina Beach

Where: Coquina Beach in the south through Holmes Beach and ending on Pine Ave. in Anna Maria on the north end.

Who Can Participate: Anyone! And it’s free! Decorate your bike, car,truck, segway or golf cart etc., or roller blade all decked out. As long as it’s on wheels it can be in the parade (note: this is a non-walking parade due to the 7 mile length). All you have to do is register here.

Everyone is invited to participate – bring a flag and set up a chair along the parade route.

After Party: After the parade there will be an after Parade Party with Live Music, Libations & Grub @ “The Ugly Grouper” 5704 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach Florida where the Privateers will announce the Scholarship recipients of over Twenty thousand dollars. ($20,000.00)

FIREWORKS

What would the 4th of July be without fireworks? Nothing! The annual fireworks extravaganza is once again being put on by the Sandbar Restaurant – you don’t want to miss this!

VIP Party Packages are available with prime seating set up on the beach under their wedding pavilion located next to the restaurant for the show. Packages are available now and include an array of delicious food. Tickets are $140 for adults and $50 for kids. Reservations for the VIP Party are required and seating is limited. Contact Jamie Kissell, Special Events Director at (941) 778-8709 or jkissell@chilesgroup.com

Or you can bring a blanket or towels and some snacks to the beach and watch the show!

When: Tuesday, July 4th, 2017 shortly after dusk

Where: Sandbar Restaurant 100 Spring Avenue Anna Maria

JULY 4TH PIG ROAST & FIREWORKS IN DOWNTOWN BRADENTON

Pier 22 restaurant is holding an all-American Independence Day Pig Roast & Fireworks event in downtown Bradenton. While dining waterside you will enjoy a marvelous July 4th fireworks celebration. This is a single seating event starting at 6 p.m. and ending with the fireworks grand finale at 9 p.m. You can see the full menu here. Adults $69.95 – Open Bar Wristband Add $30, Children under 12 – $19.95. Reservations 941-748-8087 or https://pier22dining.com/reservations

When: July 4th, 2017 6 PM, Fireworks at 9:00 PM

Where: Pier 22 1200 1st Ave West, Bradenton (Riverwalk)

If you just want to watch the fireworks Riverwalk and The Green bridge (which will close to traffic) will give you the best views. If you need some directions to get around try the new Walk Bradenton Geolocation page that will help you find anything you want in Bradenton – from restaurants to businesses, wifi hotspots to, well, anything! It’s pretty cool.

A Sarasota Fourth of July

Pink fireworks

Night time brings the Fireworks Spectacular over Sarasota Bay. Part of the Suncoast Offshore Festival, viewing is free from anywhere downtown including Bayfront Park and Island Park. The display is an awesome sight from a boat anchored on Sarasota Bay. Make sure you bring an umbrella just in case of rain. The Sarasota show starts at dusk or around 9:00 p.m. and is privately funded and charity focused and benefits Suncoast Charities for Children.

When: July 4, 2017 9:00 PM

Sarasota: Sarasota Bay, Sarasota

Would you like to visit Anna Maria Island? Contact us for help with accommodations – stay at Blue Turtle Cottage : a renovated 3 bedroom pool home steps from the sugar sand beaches the island is famous for