The Independence Day weekend was packed with patriotic pride, with residents eager to shake off those COVID blues and turn them into red, white and blue at events throughout the county.
Activities kicked off Saturday morning, with participants gathering “by the dawn’s early light” for a Red, White and Brew 5K to benefit United Against Poverty of Indian River. Nearly 300 runners laced up at the American Icon Brewery for the 5K, hosted by the Running Zone Foundation, and were treated to after-race refreshments and well-earned brews.
Also Saturday, a full day of patriotism began with a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Flagpole in Sebastian, reminding all that this country’s independence should not be taken for granted. The ensuing Sebastian Fourth of July Freedom Festival, hosted by the Sebastian Lions Club and Sebastian Masonic Lodge #232, had something for everyone.
Families lined up early to get the best viewing spots for the annual parade along Indian River Drive and were rewarded with a stream of patriotic displays from businesses, community and civic groups, the Sebastian River Marching Sharks, politicians, and representatives of local law enforcement and first responders.
As the last float passed by, skydivers dropped from the sky and attendees made their way to Riverview Park for a festival filled with food, fun, entertainment, contests, and a host of arts-and-crafts vendors. Once the sun had gone down, fireworks filled the sky, closing the special day in a fitting and colorful way.
On Sunday, July 4, firework fans made their way to Riverside Park for Boom on the Lagoon, the annual Fourth of July celebration hosted by the City of Vero Beach and made possible in part by presenting sponsor Mulligan’s Beach House.
Some families staked out choice spots in the park, setting up tents and grills to host intimate tailgate gatherings before crowds descended upon the park. The party started in earnest, with folks relaxing on lawn chairs and blankets while listening to live music and watching as children worked off pent-up energy.
Some of the best seats in the house to watch the fireworks were aboard the huge variety of maritime vessels anchored along the Indian River Lagoon near Riverside Park and Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary.
Among them were a group of Moorings Yacht Club members and their guests, who arrived early for a raft-up to enjoy dinner and visit one another, boat to boat. The group included Sheila and George Marshall aboard their 36-foot Sabre, “Blue Magic,” Mike and Pat Bell aboard their 57-foot McKinna, “Reel Late,” Jay and Terri Mitchell on their 47-foot Sea Ray, “Miss T,” and Craig and Trish Walker on their 28-foot Grady White, “Phoebe.”
As darkness approached, all eyes turned to the sky to watch the spectacular fireworks display.
Synchronized music from the local radio station added to the sense of patriotism welling amongst the onlookers, who watched with awe as the celebratory day came to a rousing close.
Photos by Brenda Ahearn, Kaila Jones and provided
