INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – The island’s club communities host various picnics and parties to commemorate America’s independence, but the major events open to the public draw locals and tourists alike to parks in Vero Beach and Sebastian for food, fun and fireworks.
For the second year, Vero’s Fourth of July Fun and Fireworks celebration is scheduled to include some daylight activities beginning at 6 p.m.
Arts and crafts vendors, bounce houses and food vendors will be set up in Riverside Park for those who want to get there early and get a great spot to watch the fireworks which start at 9 p.m.
“The addition of the daytime activities has made it much more of a family event,” said Vero Recreation Director Rob Slezak.
Budget constraints forced the City of Vero Beach to seek sponsorships from local businesses to cover the costs of the Fourth of July and other special events.
The major sponsor of this year’s fireworks is Mulligan’s on the Beach, whose owners contributed $10,000.
Other supporters are Costa d’Este resort, which donated the flyers and the City of Vero Beach and the Indian River Board of County Commissioners with each putting up $2,500.
Slezak said many local businesses have been more than generous in sponsoring events from the Halloween parade to the Mother-Daughter tea and that it’s been a referendum of sorts on which events will remain part of the fabric of Vero Beach and its culture.
“It’s really resulted in a sense of ownership of these events in the community,” he said.
People should bring chairs and blankets and to Riverside Park for the fireworks. Personal fireworks, alcoholic beverages and dogs are not permitted in the park.
For more information, contact the City of Vero Beach Recreation Department at 772-567-2144.
Fireworks and outdoor activities in general are weather dependent and will not take place during a heavy downpour or a lightning storm.
North barrier island residents may want to head over the Wabasso Causeway to the Sebastian Freedom Fest for fireworks and festivities.
Sebastian’s celebration, coordinated by the Sebastian Lions Club with help from City of Sebastian staff, starts early in the morning with a 5K run, continues with a lively parade and an all-day festival in Riverview Park, then culminates with a fireworks display just after sunset.
Events include:
7 a.m. – Compete to Defeat Drugs 5k Run
8 a.m. – Opening ceremonies, flag raising and veterans’ honor guard at the flagpole near Riverview Park
8:30 a.m. – Parade running from the Community Center south on Indian River Drive past Riverview Park.
9 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Freedom Festival in Riverview Park with contests, food vendors, art and craft vendors and presentation of winning floats and other parade entries.
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Live music at various venues in the park
9 p.m. (approximate) – Fireworks display
For information about entering the parade, call Lloyd Thomas at (772) 388-5236.
Crafters or vendors wishing to rent booth space, call Jerry and Phyllis Kennerk at (772) 664-1839 for more information.