LAND O’LAKES, FL – As coronavirus cases across the country continue to decline while the number of fully vaccinated continues to rise, residents are emerging from their cocoons and resuming their traditional celebrations, including the July 4th celebrations.
The following is on the program for July 4th around Land O ‘Lakes:
Lutz’s 4th of July Hoe-Down
Where: County Line Produce Co., 109 Willow Bend Parkway, Lutz
When: Sunday 4th July from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
What: Lutz ‘Fourth of July Hoe-Down is hosted by the Intensity Academy Gourmet Sauces, Jennifer Dobbs Realtor and County Line Produce Co. and includes a fireworks show in the dark, food trucks, a corn eating contest, a watermelon eating contest and Live music including Charles Goodwin on stage from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., a stroller, handcart or Power Wheels parade and vendors.
Independence Day Festival
Where: The Grove in Wesley Chapel, 6033 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel.
When: Sunday 4th July from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
What: There are craft vendors, food trucks, bouncy castles, ax throwing, games, batting cages, music, and fireworks at 8:30 p.m. The cost is $ 10 for adults. There is a free child ticket for every adult ticket purchase.
Patriotic Ride & Roll golf cart
Where: Railroad Square in New Port Richey
When: Saturday 3rd July from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
What: After a super successful roll-out last year, the Cotee River Golf Cart Owners are back on the streets for a Patriotic Ride & Roll on Saturday, July 3rd, from 10am to 1pm in downtown New Port Richey . The staging takes place at 10 a.m. in Railroad Square and the Ride & Roll starts at 11 a.m.
4th of July celebration at Avalon Park
Where: Avalon Park in Wesley Chapel
When: Sunday 4th July from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
What: The Avalon Park subdivision will host their annual July 4th celebration with a bounce park, bike parade, beacon off, community shows, and fireworks at 9 p.m.
Zephyrhills July 4th Summer Festival
Where: Zephyr Park, 38116 5th Avenue, Zephyrhillshill
When: Sunday, July 4th, from 12:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
What: Zephyrhills is holding its sixth annual Zephyrhills Summer Fest with games, hot dog and watermelon food competitions, a kids dance, pony rides, 10 food trucks in Tampa Bay, a merchant market with handmade home decor, soaps, cottage makers, jewelry and art, water slides and bouncy castles, and sponsor booths with giveaways and photo boxes.
Entertainment includes DJ Express from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm; Country band Fast4Ward from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and country band Crossfire Creek from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
A 30-minute fireworks display over Lake Zephyr takes place at sunset.
The event is free, but wristbands can be purchased for the water slides and bouncy castles, with all proceeds going to local charities.
The following is on July 4th elsewhere in Tampa Bay:
Boom on the bay
Where: Multiple locations along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa
When: Sunday, July 4th, from 5 p.m.
What: The event kicks off July 4th at 5 p.m. with a boat parade and Fleet Blessing presented by Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk. The parade will follow a route similar to the Holiday Light Boat Parade, but with three blessing stations.
The parade begins in the Tampa Convention Center Basin, leads to Heights, and ends at Sparkman Wharf. Public viewing locations include the Armature Works, Channelside Drive, Tampa Convention Center, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Davis Islands, Harbor Island, Sparkman Wharf, and Water Works Park.
After the boat parade, the Boom by the Bay program kicks off at 7:00 p.m. with family-friendly activities at six waterfront locations, including two new locations. Each location offers activities for all ages, food vendors, entertainment and fireworks that are choreographed together and started at dusk (approx. 9:15 pm).
The six locations this year include: Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, presented by Hard Rock; Anchor work; Tampa Convention Center; Sparkman Kai; Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park presented by Tampa Downtown Partnership; and Bayshore Boulevard, presented by Coca-Cola Beverages Florida.
The event is free and public. Event attendees are reminded to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines and use the plumbing stations at each location.
Independence Day Celebration at St. Pete Pier
Where: St. Pete Pier, 800 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg
When: 2-4 July (see link above for all times)
What: This three day event includes the First St. Pete Pier Run, Silent Disco, Gulp Coast Craft Beer Garden, Food Trucks and Vendors, Cake Eating Contest, Live Music on the Visit St. Pete Clearwater Main Stage, Karaoke, Independence Day “, wandering entertainers and more.
The traditional July 4th fireworks, sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg, is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. and will be seen from the entire downtown waterfront, including Bayshore Drive, Straub Parks and Vinoy Park.
Do you know of other events in the area? Post them on the patch calendar or share details on our free Neighbor Post feature.
Connected: Here’s how to keep people and pets safe during the July 4th fireworks display