The annual “Swim to the Wreck” invites you to swim, kayak or paddleboard a quarter mile into the Atlantic Ocean to the S.S. Breconshire. When you get back, you can indulge in the after-party at the Costa d’Este Cabana Bar which will also offer breakfast and beverages for purchase. The schooner-rigged ship sank in April 1894 when it was sailing from New York to Tampa. Now sitting among reefs, schools of fish and other marine life, the wreck became an attraction for snorkelers and paddle boarders. The “Swim to the Wreck” begins 8 a.m. and lasts until noon on Thursday, July 4. Meet at Sexton Plaza, 1050 Beachland Blvd., Vero Beach. You do not need to RSVP, just “show up.” For more information, visit the organization’s Facebook page, “July 4th Swim to the Wreck.” And if you are so inspired, consider heading to Costa d’Este Beach Resort and Spa and signing up for its 60-minute kayak tour (complete with fins, mask and snorkel) of the wreck. Costa d’Este is at 3244 Ocean Dr., Vero Beach. Call 772-562-9919 or visit Costadeste.com.
While the early birds will have fun swimming to the wreck, those who sleep in can celebrate the Fourth of July a bit later with the City of Vero Beach day-long festivities. It begins with the “Dog Days of Summer” which runs from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverside Park in Vero Beach. There will be a 2 p.m. Top Dog hot dog competition where local businesses and organizations will be creating innovative hot dogs. At 3 p.m. a Hot Dog Eating Contest for those 18 years and older will serve up a ridiculous amount of hot dogs in 5 minutes. And, yes, there will also be music and family-friendly activities. Then, the “Independence Day on the Indian River” begins at 5 p.m. and culminates at 9 p.m. there will be a fireworks display over the Indian River. For more information, visit
DogDaysOfSummerVero.com.
The Vero Beach International Music Festival runs July 10 to July 13. The event includes world-class folk, jazz, Celtic, bluegrass and classical music performed by the faculty of the Mike Block String Camp and area participants. The mainstage faculty concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, and 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 12. Tickets to those are $25. The Culminating Camp Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13. Admission to that is free but a $20 donation to the Mike Block String Camp scholarship program is suggested. All events will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 520 Royal Palm Blvd., Vero Beach. For more information call 772-562-9088 or visit FirstPresVero.org or MikeBlockStringCamp.com.
