SATURDAY June 30th

7 p.m.: DeSoto Super Speedway, 9 miles east of I-75 (Exit 42) on S.R. 6499, Bradenton. Truck races and a demolition derby precede a 9 p.m. fireworks display. Gates open at 5 p.m. $15 adults; $5 for ages 6 to 12; free for ages 5 and younger. 748-3171.

SUNDAY July 1st

Dusk: Colony Beach Resort, 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Fireworks will be shot from the resort pier. A beach barbecue will take place for resort guests, and the Monkey Room Patio will be open to the public for cocktails and tropical cuisine available for purchase. Free. 383-6464.

TUESDAY July 3rd

9 p.m.: Fireworks display, Beach House Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach. Free. 779-2222.

WEDNESDAY July 4th

10 a.m.: Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade. Starts at Coquina Beach and travels north to Pine Avenue. Free.

11 a.m.: Riverside Park West and along Riverside Drive, Palmetto. A daylong celebration and evening fireworks with live music by Edgar Winter, Rick Derringer, The Dr. Dave Band, Koko Ray, The Blusers, Shaman with Henry Lawrence, and a karaoke contest. Fireworks will be launched at 9:30 p.m. from the Green Bridge fishing pier on the Palmetto side of the Manatee River. Fireworks will also be visible from the Bradenton side near the pier. There will be a Manatee Classic Cruisers car show, pony rides, carnival rides, a giant slide and food. Park at Sutton park, on the soccer field at 14th Avenue West and 10th Street West, or at the Manatee County Fairgrounds. The Palmetto Boat Ramp at Riverside Park West and the lot at the corner of 10th Avenue and Riverside Drive will be closed from midnight Tuesday to midnight Wednesday. Free admission and trolley rides. 721-2138.

6 p.m.: Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria. Live entertainment and a fireworks display at 9 p.m. Free. 778-1696.

Source:  Herald Tribune