Looking for a way to celebrate Independence Day 2013? In addition to traditional fireworks, St. Petersburg offers a Fourth of July celebration for all ages, including a patriotic children’s parade, a Rowdies game, comedy with Ralphie May, or gourmet barbecue and Brazilian-infused jazz.
Explore the natural beauty of Sunken Gardens or Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, take a swim at one of the city’s eight sparkling pools or North Shore Aquatics Center, or score a hole in one at Mangrove Bay, Cypress Links or Twin Brooks golf courses before heading downtown for the traditional fireworks display from Spa Beach.
Or start and end your day downtown with shopping, a cinematic experience at Muvico20, or go gallery hopping from one of St. Petersburg’s independent galleries, located from 30th St. to the waterfront and in the Warehouse Arts District. Downtown, vendors will provide everything from holiday picnic fare and snacks to ice cream and glow products along the waterfront until after the fireworks.
The city’s annual Spa Beach fireworks display, courtesy of Creative Pyrotechnics, is scheduled to light the skies at 9 p.m., weather permitting, with a window from 8:30 to 10 p.m. in case of inclement weather. No rain date is scheduled.
Spectators should arrive early to secure a good viewing location. Prime locations include Vinoy, Albert Whitted or North Straub Parks. No alcohol or personal fireworks are permitted in the parks.
Parking is available in either city-owned BayWalk/MidCore or South Core parking garages and the Al Lang parking lot for $10. Disabled accessible parking is available in the North Shore ball field lot with extra temporary disabled parking located on the east side of Beach Dr. between First and Second Aves. N. and from Fourth to Fifth Aves. N. Variable message boards will direct fireworks spectators to parking locations.
Other ways to celebrate your independence include the annual 4th of July Children’s Parade hosted by the Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association. Led by the American Spirit Fife and Drum Corps, the old-fashioned parade, featuring trucks from St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue’s Station #4, steps off from Coffee Pot Park, 30th Ave. N. and First St. NE, at 10 a.m. Due to the parade, both Coffee Pot Blvd NE and 30th Ave. N. at First St. will be closed to through traffic, reopening around noon. www.honna.org
If you’re in the mood for a laugh, the Mahaffey Theater’s got you covered with The Cowhead Show’s 4th of July Brew-Ha-Ha featuring comedian Ralphie May, one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch.” Presented by 102.5 The Bone, the evening starts with a pre-party 5 p.m. Champions BBQ buffet on the Plaza. After the 7:30 p.m. show, everyone’s invited to the Plaza for the city’s fireworks at 9 p.m., weather permitting, and an outdoor concert by Pitbull Toddler immediately following. Tickets to the Ralphie May show include the BBQ pre-party, fireworks reserved seating and post-show concert and are available at www.themahaffey.com.
Celebrate indoors with Brazilian-inspired live music, gourmet barbecue, and a front-row seat for fireworks with the Museum of Fine Arts’ 6th annual Fourth of July celebration. The evening starts at 6:30 p.m. with the Samba-jazz sounds of O Som Do, followed by a foodie’s barbecue picnic delight and the best seat in the house for fireworks. Tickets are available from 727-822-1032.
Or watch Tampa Bay Rowdies light up the Bay when they take on league rivals Ft. Lauderdale in the traditional Fourth of July matchup at 6:30 p.m. Fans are invited for the game, then onto the field for the city’s fireworks display over the Bay around 9 p.m., weather permitting. Tickets are available at www.rowdiessoccer.com.
Or watch Tampa Bay Rowdies light up the Bay when they take on league rivals Ft. Lauderdale in the traditional Fourth of July matchup at 6:30 p.m. Fans are invited for the game, then onto the field for the city’s fireworks display over the Bay around 9 p.m., weather permitting. Tickets are available at www.rowdiessoccer.com.
For more events information, visit www.stpete.org/Events.
