KEY LARGO
The Key Largo parade is set to roll north at 10 a.m. from the parking lot at Anthony’s Clothing Store, MM 98.2 on the center median of U.S. 1 and ending at MM 100 in Key Largo. An old-fashioned community picnic, with picnic fare and activities for kids and adults, is set for 5 to 8 p.m. at Murray Nelson Government and Cultural Center, MM 102. The fireworks will shower Blackwater Sound at 10 p.m. The best (limited) seating can be found at Sundowners and Senior Frijoles restaurants, Caribbean Club and Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort, all located around mile marker MM 104 bayside.
ISLAMORADA
Founders Park, MM 87 on Plantation Key, is the site of an old-fashioned annual Fourth of July celebration. Entertainment and activities for kids, teens, parents and dogs highlight the event from 6 to 9:30 p.m. A fireworks show follows. Admission fees for visitors may apply.
MARATHON
Families gather for a full day of activities in Marathon for a patriotic parade that begins around 10 a.m. and proceeds from Marathon High School on Sombrero Beach Road (MM 50 oceanside) to free-admission Sombrero Beach, where a daylong celebration features food, drink, kids’ crafts and entertainment. The live music will start at about 12:30 p.m. The day is capped off with fireworks starting at approximately 9 p.m. The bursts of sound and color are accompanied by a live music broadcast on Conch Country (98.7 FM) radio. The best viewing is from the beach or anchored just offshore. The rain date is Friday, July 5.
BIG PINE KEY
The Big Pine & Lower Keys Rotary Club’s annual 4th of July fireworks are to take place at Sugarloaf Airport, MM 17 bayside on Sugarloaf Key, adjacent to the quirky Bat Tower. Live music, food and ice-cold beverages are to be accompanied by games and activities for both adults and kids. Fireworks show is set to go off at nightfall, or about 9 p.m. Admission is free, but no coolers, pets or personal fireworks will be allowed. Gates open at 5 p.m.
KEY WEST
The annual Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice picnic celebration is set to take place at the Waldorf Astoria’s Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club. It’s scheduled to start at 5 p.m. with fireworks starting at 9 p.m., courtesy of the Key West Rotary Club. The traditional buffet offers hamburgers, hot dogs and all the fixings. Lavish buffet also to be offered. Meal tickets to be sold. Free watermelon, popcorn and cold drinks, live music, a silent auction and lots of children’s games round out the fun-filled family festivities. The best fireworks viewing is from the Casa Marina Resort, or along the south side of the island near Higgs Beach or White Street Pier.
