Suncoast Summer Fest Announces July 4th Parade & Bayfront Fireworks
Suncoast Charities for Children in partnership with the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee, Sarasota Downtown Enrichment Association, and City of Sarasota have announced plans to hold a July 4th parade along the Sarasota Bayfront, as part of Suncoast Summer Fest’s “Celebrate Sarasota.”
Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee Chairman, Dan Kennedy, is the organizer for the parade, which will pay tribute to veterans, first responders, medical professionals, and front line workers. The parade will begin at 8 pm starting at Mound St. (U.S. 41) and Orange Ave. ending at Bayfront Drive (U.S. 41) and Main St. (J.D. Hamel Park). Designated areas for public viewing will be marked along the parade route. The Sarasota Bayfront Fireworks, organized by Suncoast Charities for Children in partnership with Marina Jack, will follow to close out the evening celebration.
A “Celebration In The Park”, organized by the Sarasota Downtown Enrichment Association, is scheduled to take place in J.D. Hamel Park on Saturday, July 3, from 11 am until 10 pm and on Sunday, July 4, from 3 pm until 7 pm. Following the parade, and preceding the Sarasota Bayfront Fireworks display, this season’s American Idol local breakout star Alana Sherman will be performing our national anthem.
Sarasota Mayor, Hagen Brody, stated: “This Independence Day we are going to come together once again to celebrate our community, honor our heroes, and commemorate our Nation’s birth after a very challenging time for our community and our country.” Suncoast Charities for Children Board President, Greg Linehan, added: “We are pleased to partner with the City of Sarasota, Visit Sarasota County, and so many other great organizations to make Suncoast Summer Fest into a community wide celebration everyone can enjoy.”
The traditional Grand Prix Race, presented by Visit Sarasota County and organized by Powerboat P1, remain scheduled for June 26 & 27 off Lido Beach. Other Suncoast Summer Fest events currently scheduled include a “Waves & Wheels” Festival Kickoff Party, “Red, White, & Blue” Motorcycle Poker Chip Run, a “Boats On The Block” Downtown Block Party, and the “Suncoast Summer Fest” Boat Fun Run. Additional events will be announced soon. For event updates and additional information visit: suncoastsummerfest.org
**Please Note – Any groups interested in participating in the parade should reach out directly to Dan Kennedy: (941) 812-5406 | chessie@comcast.net