A parade featuring floats, boats, watergun wars and red, white and blue will kick off July Fourth festivities in the Upper Keys. In the evening, patriotic festivities will fill Islamorada’s Founders Park. Once the sun sets, fireworks displays will light the bayside and oceanside skies to cap off the nation’s 249th year of independence.
Parade and picnic
Upper Keys residents and visitors can kick off the holiday with the 49th Fourth of July parade on U.S. 1, northbound, in Key Largo. With Pirates, Parrots and Patriots this year’s theme, the procession of floats and cool cars begins at Anthony’s Clothing Store, MM 98.2, and travels almost 2 miles north to Laguna Avenue. The parade will begin promptly at 10 a.m. Parade entrants have a chance to win one of several awards including best theme, most patriotic and most beautiful.
A family picnic will follow at Key Largo Community Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. With music and activities for the kids, including a watergun zone, also come local food vendors and a pickleball clinic. Free hot dogs are available for the kids. Parade registration and more information can be found at keylargochamber.org and clicking the “events” tab.
Fourth festivities at Founders
The family fun continues at Islamorada’s Founders Park from 6 to 10 p.m. Presented by the Upper Keys Rotary Club and Village of Islamorada, the July Fourth festivities feature a patriotic people and puppy parade. A costume contest will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the amphitheater. Food trucks will be onsite, and beer, rum punch, soda and water will be available for purchase. Kids can enjoy face painting and inflatable games while adults enjoy music. Fireworks will light the sky at sunset. There’s a $10 parking donation. No coolers or glass containers are allowed. Personal fireworks are prohibited at the park.
Fireworks displays
The night will cap off with fireworks displays on the bayside waters of the Upper Keys. People can view the displays at bayside restaurants in Key Largo and at Founders Park in Islamorada. On the oceanside, Hog Heaven will have a fireworks display once the sun sets.
