Patriotism was front and center on the Fourth of July, as residents and visitors paid tribute to our nation’s 248th birthday with celebrations lasting from dawn to dusk. Early risers made their way in the pre-dawn hours to the beach at Sexton Plaza for the annual Swim to the Wreck, which was started 20 years ago by members of Sunrunners of Vero Beach.
Hundreds started the day by swimming, kayaking, paddling or floating the approximately 1/4 mile out to the SS Breconshire, which met its watery demise in 1894.
Gathered en masse, people toasted the flag that stands tall atop the wreck. Festivities continued all afternoon and evening at Riverside Park with the City of Vero Beach’s Independence Day on the Indian River, which started earlier this year with a new Dog Days of Summer event hosted by the Source Ministries. Along with children’s activities and play areas, food trucks and music, the event featured area businesses and organizations vying for honors by creating innovative toppings in a Top Dog Competition, and a Hot Dog Eating Contest had competitors guzzling as many dogs, with buns, as possible in 15 minutes.
Folks also enjoyed live music by Johnnie & the Blaze and, as always, the pièce de résistance was the electrifying Zambelli Fireworks, sponsored by Mulligan’s Beach House & Grill.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
