Still don't know how you will be celebrating the nation's birthday? Well, dig out that cheesy star-studded, red, white and blue t-shirt from your drawer, because I've put together a list of the top five places to be in Daytona Beach. You're sure to find something from this list to make your 4th sparkle!
FOUR CORNERS - ORMOND BEACH, FLORIDA
Looking for a great way to celebrate with friends & family this July 4th? Look no further than Ormond's historic "Four Corners". Festivities are planned by both the Ormond Historical Trust (at the Anderson Price Building on Beach Street, 1 ½ blocks north of Granada) and by The City of Ormond Beach on all four corners of the Granada bridge. The Trust's event kicks off at 4 pm with a magician and clown, family activities and a Dixieland band as an "Old Fashioned Lawn Party". The City will continue the celebration beginning at 6 pm, and will feature a "Patriotic Kids Corner" with games and inflatables, as well as live music. The evening will culminate with the City's Fireworks display, scheduled to begin at 9:30 pm. For more information call The Ormond Beach Historical Trust at 386-677-7005 or the City's Leisure Services Department at 386-676-3241.
CINEMATIQUE UNDER THE STARS
Downtown Daytona Beach features The Wizard of Oz in their retro film series. Bring a picnic and lawn chairs (or get really old-fashioned and bring a blanket), and enjoy this American classic at City Island Park, 115 E. Orange Ave., Daytona Beach. No charge! For more information, call 386-871-7873. Movie starts at dusk.
MAIN STREET JULY 4TH BLOCK PARTY & BARBEQUE
To compliment the Boardwalk fireworks, Main Street is hosting an 8-block July 4th block party with a summer barbeque theme. In addition to traditional BBQ food vendors, an amateur BBQ competition will take place with prizes and trophies. The event begins at 6pm and ends at midnight. For more information, call 386-255-9300 or visit www.whog.fm.
RED, WHITE & BOOM at the FAMOUS DAYTONA BEACH BANDSHELL
This event has it all...live music, children's games, simulator rides, and show car all in Oceanfront Park, beginning at 5pm. The evening's live entertainment will begin at 7:30pm and include opening act Last Call, a sponsor recognition and prize giveaways by WHOG's Frank Scott, a welcoming of the crowds by Mayor Ritchey, an introduction of Jeff Gordon with Q&A session, and a performance by POCO. Bring a lawn chair for seating but please leave the coolers at home because they are not allowed in the Bandshell. This is a FREE event, but donations are accepted.
CELEBRATE WITH FRIENDS
This is actually my favorite thing to do on the 4th. Find a great friend's party to crash, and don't forget to bring a fabulous side dish to share. There's nothing like celebrating the great country we live in with the people who make your life happy.
Have a great 4th of July!