July 1: Happy Independence Day Weekend

Yes, the Fourth of July is coming up quickly and that means everything from parades to fireworks will be taking place this weekend. So bring the family or just kick back with some friends.

On July 3, there will be a parade in Plantation starting at 9am. And along Fort Lauderdale Beach July 3 is the first Saturday Nite Alive, with 20 live bands, street vendors, special parking rates and trolley service.  Experience the "Open House Feel" of the resort properties and your favorite Fort Lauderdale beach spots along A1A from The Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel (south) to The Atlantic Hotel (north).  Dine at 25 restaurants and outdoor cafes, enjoy cocktails at patio and oceanfront lounges and stroll along the beach with indoor/outdoor entertainment.

On July 4^th Deerfield Beach offers rock wall climbing, games, and live music followed by fireworks.  There is free jazz along the Riverwalk for the Sun Trust Sunday Jazz Brunch.  The "Ford of July" Fourth of July Spectacular on Fort Lauderdale Beach is free 11am-9:30pm. Live musical entertainment as well as family beach activities including contests with a fireworks finale at 9pm.

Food eating contests anyone?  The Beach Theatre at Johnson Street in Hollywood will host a roasted corn eating contest along with an apple stacking contest and the Little Miss Firecracker contest.  And Journey fans "Don't Stop Believin,'" at the Pembroke Pines Recreation Center with a Journey tribute band at 6pm.

End the Fourth of July weekend with a bang with a choice of fireworks displays in Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Margate, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Sunrise and Tamarac.  Fireworks start at 9pm.  Check out more Fourth of July activities at http://sunny.org/july4

Jillian Fink, Intern
Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau