Sarasota the Beautiful: Top 10 July 4th Events

Another 4^th of July is upon us, and the Sarasota area offers a fabulous variety of ways to celebrate our great nation’s independence. From fireworks and parades to baseball and barbecue, check out the top 10 area events taking place in honor of Independence Day: Fireworks on the Bayfront A perennial favorite and Sarasota’s signature event, the Fireworks Spectacular Over Sarasota Bay takes place on Saturday, July 4. Part of the Suncoast Offshore Festival, the free display will be launched from a boat anchored on Sarasota Bay around dusk. Viewing is free from anywhere downtown, with the best views from Bayfront Park and Island Park. Be sure to arrive early to claim your spot. Tropical Barbecue Selby Gardens will host an All-American Barbecue on July 4 to honor Independence Day, with pit masters, live music and family fun. The lush Bayfront location is the perfect place to watch the fireworks over Sarasota Bay. For ticket information visit http://selby.org/event/all-american-barbecue/. Sparkling Siesta Key Fireworks will light up the sky on Siesta Key for the 25^th Annual 4^th of July Fireworks Display and Party. Plant yourself along Crescent Beach for the best views, or watch from your boat on the Intracoastal Waterway. A VIP Party will also be taking place, hosted by The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. Tickets for the VIP event can be purchased by calling 941.349.3800. Patriotic Pyrotechnics in Venice Launched from the south Venice Jetty, the Venice fireworks will light up the sky after sunset. Vantage points can be found along Venice Beach, Nokomis Beach or from the water in your boat. 2000 Tarpon Center Drive, Venice. Land of the Free, Home of the Baseball What could be more American than celebrating the 4^th at a baseball game? On Friday, July 3^rd, the Bradenton Marauder’s will play the Charlotte Stone Crabs at McKechnie Field in Bradenton. After the action, take in a spectacular fireworks display. Get your tickets online HERE. Longboat Free The Annual Freedom Fest Parade takes place on July 4, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Longboat Key Town Hall. Wear your red, white and blue to watch as police and fire rescue teams, as well as children and their pets, march in honor of Independence Day. After the parade there’ll be activities and refreshments in Bicentennial Park. Island Celebration The Privateers 4th of July Parade is an annual patriotic-themed parade hosted by the Anna Maria Privateers. It starts at 10:00 am until 12:00 noon, and takes place on July 4^th. The seven-mile parade begins at Coquina Beach and will end at City Pier on Anna Maria Island.   Star Spangled Englewood On July 4, The Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary presents the annual Englewood Firecracker Festival and Block Party, with the largest fireworks display in Southwest Florida. The party starts on Dearborn Street at 11am, with food, drink, over 60 craft vendors, the area’s largest muscle car show and a children’s play area with waterslides. Live bands will also be taking the stage.  Riverside Spectacular Bring a blanket and pick your spot along Bradenton’s Riverwalk to watch the fireworks explode into the sky over the Manatee River. The show will begin after dark at around 9 p.m.  452 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205. What are your plans for Independence Day 2015?