Aqua Essence

Apalachicola has big plans for a memorable Independence Eve celebration on its riverfront. For the fourth consecutive year, the community has combined its resources for a July 3 spectacular, culminating in a stunning fireworks display over the Apalachicola River.

Beginning at 4 p.m. in Riverfront Park, hub of the Independence Eve activities, a crew from among more than 50 volunteers will be busy serving up Firecracker Fried Shrimp, Wings of Freedom, and Hero Hot Dogs. Refreshments including wine and locally brewed Oyster City Beer will also be available.

Children will take part in face painting, games and age-appropriate fun for America’s birthday weekend. There’ll be lots of musical entertainment, including the United Methodist Church youth band and soloist Maxine Kellogg.

At 6 p.m. the featured entertainment, Johnny Barbato and the Lucky Doggs, out of New Orleans, will take the stage at Riverfront Park. At 6:30 p.m, across from the historic district in Lafayette Park, the Red, White and Blue parade, coordinated by Franklin’s Promise, will line up, drawing conveyances from walkers to wheelchairs, bicycles to golf carts, all emblazoned in red, white and blue. The parade heads down Avenue B to Riverfront Park, where everyone is invited to enjoy free hand-scooped ice cream.

The patriotic party continues as the excitement grows, leading to a Veterans Tribute at 8:30 p.m. Apalachicola city commissioner Jimmy Elliott, who served with the Army overseas in Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm and three tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom, will be the featured speaker.

Debbie Fletcher will sing the God Bless Americaand immediately afterwards, a 20-minute fireworks extravaganza, launched by PyroShows, of LaFollette, Tennessee will be launched from a barge, illuminating the river that once served as the height of Florida commerce during its 19^th century heyday.

For those who wish to relax in an up-close seat on the docks, savoring wine or locally brewed Oyster City Beer, table sponsorships and reserved seating are available.  Lawn chairs and picnic blankets are welcome on the grass.

The celebration is being coordinated by Historic Apalachicola Main Street in partnership with the City of Apalachicola, Franklin’s Promise Coalition, and the Apalachicola Bay Chamber Of Commerce. For more information, please visit www.ApalachicolaMainStreet.org, contact Harry Arnold: (850) 524-0770 or Jim Bachrach (850) 899-8689.