Photo: Richard Patterson.

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• More July 4, 2009 events

Speak up!

By Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Fourth of July is approaching so gather up your beach towels, picnic blankets, lawn-chairs, and bug spray. Here’s where you can catch the best fireworks Miami has to offer.

(Tip: you know it rains every summer day in Miami, so before you head out, pick up a rain poncho for everyone in your group, and pack it as part of your July 4th gear. Yes, it may look dorky, but it will keep you nice and dry. It’ll also keep you from getting a wet spot from sitting on damp grass or sand, as you picnic and/or watch the fireworks.)

Key Biscayne
This year Key Biscayne celebrates its 50th annual 4th of July extravaganza.  The festivities will begin at 11 a.m. with a traditional parade along Crandon Boulevard. The celebration continues with the Old-Fashioned Picnic on the Village Green, and concludes with a fireworks display at sunset on the beach.  All events are free of charge.  For more information go to www.keybiscayne.fl.gov.

Bayfront Park
America’s Birthday Bash will feature one of the largest fireworks displays in South Florida. The festival begins at 3 p.m. with food, beverages and children’s play area which includes inflatable slides, hoops, a carousel and face painting.  The celebration concludes with fireworks at 9 p.m.  The spectacular display will be launched from a barge on Biscayne Bay and can be seen throughout the park, which will be open all day. The activities and fireworks show display are free to the public.  For more information, call 305-358-7550 or visit www.bayfrontparkmiami.com.  

Coconut Grove
Join in the fun at Coconut Grove’s All Day 4th of July Celebration.  The revelry begins at the Barnacle (3485 Main Highway) with an 11 a.m. old-fashioned 4th of July picnic, hosted by The Barnacle Society, featuring lawn games, kite-making, knot-tying demonstrations, and other "old fashioned fun." Participants are invited to dress up like our fore-fathers, bring a blanket and a picnic lunch, and get into the spirit of independence. Admission: $5 for guests 12 years and older; $2 for guests ages 6-12; children under 6 are free.
The day continues with a scavenger hunt in the streets of the Villager Center.  Registration for this event begins at 2:15 p.m. This event is free to the public and a great way to explore the Grove on foot. 
To end the day, a free concert and fireworks display will take place at Peacock Park, (2820 McFarlane Road). The concert starts at 4 p.m., featuring a mix of Rock, Pop and Jazz bands, including Ryan Stone Music, First October, JT4 and Campo Deluxe Jazz Quartet. Fireworks will take place at sundown (around 9 p.m.). There will be food and beverage booths.  For more information, visit www.coconutgrovechamber.com  or call 305-444-7270.

Doral
The City of Doral celebrates its 6th annual Independence Day Celebration at J.C. Bermudez Park, (3000 N.W. 87th Avenue).  The festivities begin at 6 p.m. and include live entertainment, games for the whole family and the signature finale: a spectacular fireworks show at 9 p.m. Parking and admission are free.  For only $3 participants can enjoy unlimited carnival rides. For more information, go to www.cityofdoral.com or call 305-593-6600.

South Beach
This year South Beach celebrates our nation’s birthday with a bang at Miami Beach’s 19th Annual Fourth of July Celebration with a patriotic display on 8th and Ocean Drive. This event is free so everyone is encouraged to arrive early along with their beach chairs and towels. Fireworks will be blasting at 9 p.m. No coolers or bottles will be permitted on the beach.  Public parking is available throughout the beach.  There are also parking garages located on 7th Street and Collins Avenue, 13th Street and Collins Avenue and at 12th Street and Drexel Avenue. There will be free shuttle service between parking lots on 72nd Street and Collins Ave. and 81st Street and Collins Ave. to and from the  Miami Beach fireworks display. Shuttles run from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.  For more information, go to www.miamibeachfl.gov or call 305-673-7400.

South Miami
The City of South Miami will hold its 4th of July Celebration at Palmer Park (6120 S.W. 67 Ave), and will include live entertainment, exhibits, and activities, such as face painting and children’s games. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.  The fun is free and goes from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., with the fireworks display starting at 9:15 p.m.  For more information visit www.cityofsouthmiami.net or call 305-668-2510 or 305-668-7232.