The town is packed – for good reason – and the Middle Keys are ready to ring in Independence Day with what locals know is one of the best small-town celebrations in the country.
Festivities on the Fourth start with the Rotary Club of Marathon’s annual Fourth of July parade, lining Sombrero Beach Road from Marathon High School to the Sombrero Beach traffic circle with patriotic trailers, golf carts, cars, bikes and walkers.
Spots are still open to enter the parade – $10 per golf cart and $20 per vehicle and float to register, while walkers and bikers are free. The procession will organize at 10 a.m. at Marathon High School before taking to the streets at 11. A $100 prize is available for the best bike, car and float. To reserve a spot, text Kelly Williams at 731-616-0771.
America’s birthday celebration continues all day at the beach, thanks to the Rotary Club providing food, drink and live music. And after the sun dips down, a dazzling display will light the night at the mouth of Sister’s Creek at 9 p.m. – synchronized with patriotic tunes playing on FM 104.1.
Revelers on the north and south ends of town will have displays of their own to enjoy, as Isla Bella Beach Resort will shoot off a fireworks finale to resort festivities at 9:30 p.m. Up on Duck Key, Hawks Cay resort will put on the Middle Keys’ latest official display at 10 p.m.
Residents and visitors should plan ahead for heavy traffic throughout the day on Sombrero Beach Road, particularly from 11 a.m. to noon. The U.S. Coast Guard will also close the mouth of Sister’s Creek next to Sombrero Beach from 8:30 to 10 p.m. for safety during the fireworks display.
