3 To Do: Celebrating a nation’s start

Celebrating the Fourth of July …

1. Saturday in Everglades Metropolis

Everglades Metropolis is all the time first! It was the unique Collier County seat nearly 100 years in the past and is the primary within the space to have fun Independence Day.

This yr the festivities are on Saturday, July 2, beginning at 10 a.m. with the opening ceremony on the steps of Metropolis Corridor (the outdated County Courthouse) adopted by the Patriotic Parade across the city.

The theme is “Crimson, White, and Blue” and there are prizes for the most effective entries which might be something from golf carts to swamp buggies or adorned floats.

This free family-fun occasion continues in McLeod Park behind the tennis courts with sizzling canines, kiddies’ contests, prize-giving, and a raffle. The day is rounded out with spectacular fireworks at 9 p.m. so you may make it a mini-vacation by having a scrumptious dinner and staying in one of many native hostelries.

See VisitEvergladesCity.com.

2. Enjoyable and fireworks on Marco Island

Alfie Oakes’ Fourth of July American Celebration: The proprietor of Oakes Farms and Seed to Desk hosts an Independence Day celebration on Little Marco Island, together with meals, beer and reside music by The Joel Fry Band and singer Ira Dean (finest referred to as half of former nation duo Trick Pony). From 10 a.m. to five p.m. Saturday, July 2. $45 for transportation to the island ($25 for ages 17 and youthful), $35 for meals and drinks ($20 for ages 17 and youthful). Shuttle service begins at 8 a.m. at Naples Outlet Assortment, 6060 Collier Blvd., Naples, or you may present up on the island utilizing your personal boat. Tickets: freedom-friday.ticketleap.com/alfie-oakes-2nd-annual-fourth-of-july-american-celebration.

Fireworks at Residents’ Seaside: Along with a fun-filled day on the sand, fireworks  will launch off the coast of Residents’ Seaside at about 9 p.m., Monday, July 4.  The fireworks might be seen from alongside Collier Boulevard and Marco’s seaside entrance. No private fireworks permitted on the seaside. Public parking is situated on the intersection of Collier Boulevard and Swallow Avenue. Metered parking is $8 per automotive. Parking on the streets or swales within the South Seaside space is prohibited. Data: cityofmarcoisland.com.

3. And in Bonita, Estero 

Studying of the Declaration of Independence: At 10 a.m. Saturday, July 2. Estero Historic Society Museum, 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero Park. Gary Israel will sing the nationwide anthem and the Estero Fireplace Rescue workforce will elevate the flag. Watermelon will likely be served picnic-style for all attendees following the ceremony. 

Bonita parade: Bonita Springs Skilled Firefighters Native 3444 hosts the annual parade on Previous 41 Street. It contains bands, fife-and-drum corps, floats, navy items and extra. 9 a.m. Monday, July 4. Free. Previous 41 Street will likely be closed alongside the parade route from 8:30 a.m. till after the parade. The parade travels alongside Previous 41 Street from Kentucky Avenue to Rosemary Drive in downtown Bonita Springs. Data: 298-4706 or bonitaspringsparade.com.