Here at WFSU-FM we're looking to celebrate the nation's birthday with a bang. Here are a few places we've found for some good "ooohs and aahhs." Where are you heading for the holiday? Let us know!
- Celebrate America a Day Early: The Tallahassee Senior Center and Foundation are hosting the annual Celebrate America concert. The even features "explosive" jazz and band music themed to celebrate the nation's birthday. It starts Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium on the second floor of the Tallahassee Senior Center, located at 1400 North Monroe Street. The suggested adult donation is $5. Children are free.
- Apalachichola Bay: Events start Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Lafayette park. At 7 p.m. will be an ice-cream social at the Riverfront park that will be free for children. There will also be live music, drinks and hot-dogs until 11 p.m. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.
- Sopchoppy Fourth of July Celebration: Festivities start with a parade Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. followed by a celebration with live music in the Myron B. Hodge City Park. Gates open at 11:00 and opening ceremonies start at noon. A $3.00 donation is required. The night culminates with a fireworks display at 9:00.
- Southwood: Southwood kicks off it's Independence Day celebration early with a Patriotic Parade Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. on Baringer Hill, followed by fun and games for the kids. A fireworks show starts at sunset, but those in the know arrive early to get a good spot.
- Tom Brown Park: Tallahassee is hosting "Celebrate America." The event features free concerts, a fireworks show, rides and games for the kids, and food and craft vendors as well as a Naturalization Ceremony. Festivities start Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and continue through 11:00. There will be free metro-star shuttles from the Koger Center to Tom Brown Park starting at 5:30 p.m.
- Thomasville, Georgia: Enjoy games, food, music and crafts for the kids in Thomasville's Remington Park. Fireworks start Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. but the festivities kick off as early as 6:30 p.m.
- Fourth of July Bonfire: The event includes marshmallows to roast while celebrating Independence Day with neighbors and friends. The kindling gets lit Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. and burns till 9:30 p.m at the St. Francis of Assisi Church grounds. 3413 Old Bainbridge Rd. Tallahassee
- St. George Island: 4th of July Freedom Fest will take place at the Blue Parrot Oceanfront Cafe. The Island parade will start at 11 a.m. Fireworks will be taking place over the Blue Parrot deck.
- Carabelle: Fireworks will start at dusk over the Riverfront with viewing areas along Marine St. The fireworks will also be viewable from Timber Island and Highway 98.
- Port St. Joe: Celebrations will be all along Reid Avenue. There will be a parade and many contests including best decorated bicycle, pie baking, and watermelon seed spitting with fireworks over St. Joseph Bay.