A Bang of a Fourth
By Despina Williams
Star Staff Writer
Port St. Joe, Mexico Beach and Wewahitchka will host a variety of Independence Day celebrations next week, from lighted boat parades and sandsculpture contests to pirate invasions and treasure hunts.
What follows is a run down of all the events.
Port St. Joe
(All times Eastern)
Port St. Joe will play host to two days of activities, beginning on Friday, July 4 at 10 a.m. with food, arts and crafts in Frank Pate Park.
The kid-friendly festival will feature pony rides from Broke-A-Toe from 4-9 p.m.
From 4-5 p.m., the park will be invaded by Pirates of Tupelo, who will host a "Pirate Day Camp." Activities will include lessons in pirate-speak, pirate dances and skits.
For kids who want to get in on the act, The Star will be sponsoring a Kid's Pirate Costume Contest, from 5-5:45 p.m.
A 6 p.m. feast will bring pirates and kids together to devour popular pirate fare like chicken drumsticks, mini corn dogs, corn fritters and pirate grog. (Not to worry, parents, this grog is alcohol free.)
Family friendly games will continue from 6-9 p.m., with a Kid's Kitty Car Parade beginning at 8 p.m.
Kids are encouraged to decorate a small, moving vehicle - such as a bike, wagon or scooter. Prizes will be awarded for Best Decorated, Most Patriotic and Best in Show in four age categories: 5 years and under; 6-9 years; 10-12 years and Over 12.
A lighted boat parade sponsored by the Port St. Joe Yacht Club will begin around 9 p.m. at the Marina, followed by fireworks over St. Joseph Bay at 9:30 p.m.
During the day, visitors can shop in the city's historic downtown, or enjoy art activities sponsored by the Gulf Alliance for Local Arts (GALA).
GALA will host an artist's reception at the Port Inn from 6-7 p.m., followed by the popular artist series First Fridays at the Thirsty Goat. Joe Hutchison is the featured artist.
On Saturday, July 5, the fun continues downtown with shopping from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and the Salt Air Farmer's Market will be open from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
From 4-8 p.m., Galati Yachts will host an "Open Boat" at the Port St. Joe Marina.
Fish'n Xpress will host a Sunset Cruise Special from 6:30-9 p.m.
A Blowout Concert at Dockside Cafe will cap off the Independence Day celebrations, with live music from 8-11 p.m.
Mexico Beach
(All times Central)
The fun begins early in Mexico Beach, with a Firecracker 5K Walk/Run on Friday, July 4.
Registration is from 6-6:55 a.m., and the race begins at 7 a.m. at the Under the Palms Park, located on 7th Street and Maryland.
The entry fee is $10, and the first 300 entrants will receive a free T-shirt
The Mexico Beach Canal Parkway will play host to a free Children's Fishing Tournament from 9-11 a.m. Kids ages 2-13 years are eligible to participate, and bait, snacks and hotdogs will be provided. Just remember: bring your own pole.
Fireworks will be launched from the city pier at 8:30 CT.
On Saturday, July 5, the east side of Toucans Restaurant will be filled with imaginative sandsculptures. The contest, open to the public, begins with registration at 9 a.m.
Wewahitchka
(All times Central)
Wewahitchka is keeping it simple this July 4, with a 5 p.m. musical performance by Ricky Davis and Group at T.L. James Park, located at 521 Catalpa Road.
Fireworks at the park will begin at dark.
