SEBASTIAN – The 2010 Sebastian River Area Freedom Festival kicks off Saturday at 6 a.m. with registration for the “Compete to Defeat Drug Abuse” 5k run/walk followed by the annual parade at 8 a.m.
The Fourth of July Parade will start at the Sebastian Masonic Lodge, located at 1805 Jackson Street and wind its way to Riverview Park. The parade route will travel east on Davis Street then turn south on Indian River Drive.
The rest of the day will consist of crafts, food and live entertainment at the park until the fireworks show at sunset. Among the activities expected is the annual Apple Pie Baking Contest.
The Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce expects the event to draw 20,000-plus people. It is sponsored by the City of Sebastian and the Sebastian Lions Club.
The day gets started with the Substance Awareness Council of Indian River County’s second annual 5k run/walk.
Like the parade, the race course will end at Riverview Park. The cost to enter the race is $25.
Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each of the following categories: Overall, Overall Masters, ages 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and older. The first three walkers to complete the race will also receive awards.
Day of registration begins at 6 a.m. at Riverview Park, though early registrants can pick up their packets at Runner’s Depot on Friday, July 2. Pets are not allowed to participate in the race.
This year’s race is sponsored by Merrill Lynch, Space Coast Credit Union, Seacoast National Bank, and the Dyer Difference Award.
Fourth of July revelers who can’t get enough of the festivities can continue the celebration Sunday in Vero Beach.
The City of Vero Beach is hosting its Family Fourth of July from 3:30 to 9 p.m. at Riverside Park.
The day will include refreshments from Sunside Fun Snowballs, fun inflatable houses and a wet slide, face painting, and music, culminating with nighttime fireworks.
This marks the first daytime celebration in Vero Beach for the Fourth of July, which has traditionally held a fireworks show.