Hundreds of people have made their way into the Plant City Stadium to enjoy grilled food and family activities on the Fourth of July holiday, and the tradition booms on in 2015.
Plant City Recreation & Parks Department, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Strawberry Festival, along with other local business sponsors, will host another Independence Day celebration for the fourth consecutive year in a row, after taking a hiatus because of the cost.
The fireworks show alone is $20,000. The total amount of the event is $30,000. The celebration ran for six consecutive years until the economic downturn caused it to be canceled in 2008.
“What’s special about the event is that it is run by businesses,” Tim Hanlon, project manager, said. “The community is what brought it back.”
This year is no exception, and coordinated collections of explosives are expected to light the sky, rivaling other Fourth of July festivities.
Despite the large price tag, the event is free. However, parking is $5 and will be available starting at 5:45 p.m.
The grounds traditionally become crowded during this night, and parking is limited on the roads around the area. Be there early and prepared.
The field events and concessions open at 6 p.m.
The annual display of coordinated explosions is not the only crowd puller. The celebration will hold a place for all the summertime favorites, including corn hole, a rock wall, face painting and balloon art.
“We definitely encourage families to come out,” Halon said.
With all these collaborating activities going on, there has to be an impressive framework of fare ready for hungry kids and parents. With this in mind, come hungry. There will be food vendors and concessions selling kettle corn, hotdogs, funnel cakes and other seasonal necessities.
At 7 p.m., after one hour of games and large amounts of balloon animals, Double Barrel Band will perform. Double Barrel Band is a local southern rock band and has performed in past years to draw the entire event together with its strumming talent.
“We rely on tradition, people know what to expect, and they enjoy it,” Halon said.
All field activities and food franchises are closed down by 8:45 p.m., and at 9:15 p.m., the fireworks show starts. If it rains, a make up will be July 5.
IF YOU GO
When: Gates open at 6 p.m; 20-minute firework display begins at 9:15 p.m. Saturday, July 4
Where: Plant City stadium, 1810 E. Park Road
Details: Various activities will be available, along with live music and food vendors.
Cost: $5 parking
Sponsors: Florida Strawberry Festival, Mayfair Games, Global Sports Alliance, Stingray Chevrolet, Haught Funeral Home, Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinics, Jarrett-Scott Ford, UM Catering ,Uncle Mikes Smokehouse Grill, Deese Scrubs, Plant City Times & Observer, Parkesdale Farms, Plant City Noon Rotary, Gordon Food Service, Miller Pro Sound, Toufayan Bakeries, Happy Kids Inflatables, Brewington’s Towing Service, O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, W.K Meclendon Oil, Plant City Post 26, Culligan, Rossiter & Associates LLC, City of Tampa Office of Special Events, and Plant City friends of Recreation & Parks.