A procession of patriotic floats will take to U.S. 1 for the 47th annual Key Largo Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth of July Parade. And a pair of fireworks displays will light the nighttime skies in the Upper Keys on Tuesday, July 4.
This year’s parade theme in Key Largo is “Celebrating Freedom.” The procession will also honor Monroe County’s bicentennial this year. Parade entrants are encouraged to decorate their floats to commemorate the freedom theme or the bicentennial.
The parade will begin at 9:45 a.m. at MM 98.2, in front of Anthony’s Clothing Store and continue through the town to Laguna Avenue. Float awards will be announced later in the day through Facebook and Instagram.
This year’s grand marshal is James “Doc” Boilini. A longtime community advocate, Boilini sits on the county Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. He’s also a Key Largo Rotarian, a member of the Key Largo Community Pool Committee and a past president and board member of the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce.
At about 9:45 p.m., the annual Bayfront Blackwater Sound fireworks celebration will occur thanks to the title sponsor, Key West International Airport, along with the Reefhouse Resort & Marina and Keys Weekly Newspapers.
Viewing spots for the fireworks can be viewed at several businesses located along Florida Bay, including Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill and Sundowners for the perfect seat. Rowell’s Waterfront Park, MM 104.5, is also open for the community to watch the fireworks (parking is limited). No vendors will be set up; it is recommended that spectators bring their coolers and lawn chairs.
Those who would like to volunteer their time during the festivities can visit the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce’s website to register. Those seeking to enter a float into the parade can also visit the website to sign up.
In Islamorada, an Independence Day celebration will feature food trucks, rum punch, an apple pie baking contest, a patriotic puppy parade, an inflatable obstacle course and more. The festivities kick off at 6 p.m. at Founders Park. Judges will crown the best home-baked apple pie at 6:30 p.m. Pups and owners dressed in red, white and blue will parade around the amphitheater stage at 7:30 p.m. A fireworks display will begin once the sun sets over Florida Bay. Parking is available for a $10 donation.
Festivities are sponsored by the village of Islamorada, Upper Keys Rotary Club and Key West International Airport. No coolers, glass containers or personal fireworks are permitted. For more information visit keysrotary.org.
