There’s no birthday celebration quite like America’s. The sound of our national anthem pumping through speakers, the smell of freshly grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, and the sight of big, brilliant fireworks in the night sky can get anybody excited.
With that in mind, Plant City’s third annual Fourth of July celebration should be a blast.
Last year’s event was such a success that, for the most part, the 2014 edition will look similar from the food and fun to the musical entertainment — the Double Barrel Band, a Plant City favorite, will be back to play on the stage.
After parking opens at 5:45 p.m., the fun will begin at 6 p.m.
There will be plenty for the kids to do: face painting, balloon art booths, tailgate toss, inflatable slides, a rock wall and a bungee jump will keep them busy for hours. Concession stands and food vendors at the stadium will also open at 6 p.m.
At 7 p.m., the Double Barrel Band will take the stage and perform as only they can, mixing classic rock, Southern rock and comedy in an entertaining, family-friendly show. Led by frontman “Trailer Park” Mark Sprouse, the Plant City-based party band aspires to be the best of its kind in the Tampa Bay area.
All of the activities will close at 8:30 p.m., and the field will be cleared to make way for the big show. At 9:15 p.m., after the ROTC Presentation of Colors, the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem, the fireworks will be ready to go.
Put on by Zambelli Fireworks, this display looks to be as grand as the flyers suggest. Last year’s firework finale came with a $20,000 price tag, which was one of the primary costs covered by the event’s many sponsors and community donors.
The Recreation and Parks Department will not allow vehicles to park on Park Road, from Alsobrook Street/Coronet Road south to Jim Johnson Road, for pedestrian safety purposes. That also means no parking northbound on Jim Johnson, from Alexander Street to Park, and no parking along Gordon Food Service Drive.
Per city ordinance, no alcohol is allowed at the stadium. Coolers, glass and open containers, and fireworks are also not allowed. Bags and backpacks will be searched upon entry. People are asked to leave their pets at home.
Weather permitting, it looks like the Winter Strawberry Capital will be treated to a great show tomorrow night.
IF YOU GO
WHEN: July 4. Gates open at 6 p.m. A 20-minute firework display begins at 9:15 p.m.
WHERE: Plant City Stadium; 1810 E. Park Road
DETAILS: Various activities will be available, along with live music and food vendors.
COST: Free; $5 parking
SPONSORS: Florida Strawberry Festival, Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, city of Plant City, Plant City Times & Observer, Mayfair Games, Walmart, Mosaic, Stingray Chevrolet, Haught Funeral Home, Jarrett-Scott Ford, Plant City Noon Rotary, Happy Kids Inflatables, Lowe’s Build & Grow Clinics, Nick’s Pizzeria & Wings, Toufayan Bakeries, American Legion, O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, Global Sports Alliance, Parkesdale Farms, Deese Scrubs, Miller Pro Sound, Culligan Water, Gordon Food Service, Seafood Dive Restaurant, Railroad Industrial Federal Credit Union and Brewington’s Towing Service