For many in Marathon, there’s only one place to be on the Fourth of July, as Sombrero Beach plays host to one of the best small-town Independence Day celebrations and fireworks displays in the country.
Fun on the Fourth starts at 11 a.m. with the city’s annual Fourth of July parade, presented by the Rotary Club of Marathon. As always, the parade route will run from Marathon High School down to the Sombrero Beach traffic circle.
All are welcome to join in the parade with a decorated bicycle, golf cart, car or truck and compete for prizes as the best-decorated parade entry. Bicycles are free to enter, and the best-decorated bike will win $100. The entry fee is $10 for golf carts and $20 for vehicles. Tax-deductible funds raised are donated to the Rotary Club of Marathon. Muster for parade entrants is at 10 a.m. at Marathon High School. Text Kelly Williams at 731-616-0771 to RSVP by Monday, July 1.
Following the parade, the celebration shifts to Rotary’s all-day party at Sombrero Beach, complete with live music, games and plenty of food and drinks. Heavily supported this year by a $10,000 donation from the Key West International Airport, funds from the day’s celebrations will again go to bolster Rotary’s scholarships and community support initiatives.
After the sun sets, the Rotary Club partners with the City of Marathon to light up the sky in one of the Keys’ largest and longest fireworks displays. Spectators on land and hundreds of boaters on the water line up for views of the colorful show. Fireworks will start at about 9 p.m., and US1 Radio 104.1 will play patriotic music along with the display.
Just up the road, Isla Bella Beach Resort is to stage its first Keys’ Musician Fest with a full day of live music. The event is free for resort guests, with tickets available for non-guests. The music starts at 11 a.m. and continues through 8:30 p.m., followed by a grand finale fireworks show at 9 p.m. Visit islabellabeachresort.com/summer-music-festival.
