Fourth Of July Parade, Fireworks Return This Summer In Sarasota

SARASOTA, FL — After being canceled last summer because of the coronavirus pandemic, Sarasota’s Fourth of July Parade and bayfront fireworks return this summer, according to a news release from the city.

Suncoast Charities for Children in partnership with the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee, Sarasota Downtown Enrichment Association and city of Sarasota have announced plans to hold a July 4th parade along the Sarasota Bayfront, as part of Suncoast Summer Fest’s “Celebrate Sarasota.”

The event will pay tribute to veterans, first responders, medical professionals and frontline health care workers, the city said.

The parade begins at 8 p.m. at Mound Street and Orange Avenue and ends at J.D. Hamel Park at the intersection of Bayfront Drive and Main Street.

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Designated areas for public viewing will be marked along the parade route. The bayfront fireworks, organized by Suncoast Charities for Children and Marina Jack, will follow to close out the evening celebration, the city said.

A “Celebration in The Park,” organized by the Sarasota Downtown Enrichment Association, is scheduled to take place in J.D. Hamel Park July 3-4. Following the parade, and preceding the Sarasota Bayfront Fireworks display, this season’s American Idol local star Alana Sherman will perform the national anthem.

“This Independence Day we are going to come together once again to celebrate our community, honor our heroes, and commemorate our nation’s birth after a very challenging time for our community and our country,” Mayor Hagen Brody said.

Any group interested in participating in the parade should contact Dan Kennedy at 941-812-5406 or by emailing chessie@comcast.net.