Local news & views around the Florida-Georgia border.
Fernandina July 4th Holiday Weekend Events
Celebrate the 2015 Fourth of July holiday weekend in Fernandina Beach. An Independence Day Parade will be held Saturday at 6 pm on Centre Street, fireworks downtown over the river at 9:30 pm, and lots of fun activities in between.
Parade on Centre Street, Fernandina, Sat., July 4th, 2015 at 6 pm
Ready for a festive Fourth of July 2015 holiday weekend on Amelia Island?
Whether your weekend plans include daytime picnics, barbecues, or a beach day with family and friends, spend the evenings downtown in historic Fernandina Beach. Enjoy a free music concert, a community Independence Day parade and the grand finale, a waterfront fireworks display over the river. History buffs may like to take a daytime tour of Fort Clinch and experience soldier life during 1864 this “living history” holiday weekend.
Sounds on Centre
Kicking things off early Friday evening, July 3, 2015, is a free street music concert, Sounds on Centre. Bring beach chairs, find a spot along the sidewalk or street (closed to traffic for the event), and enjoy a relaxing evening downtown listening to Spice and the Po Boys from 6 to 8 pm. The outdoor performance stage is set up near the Palace Saloon on Centre Street (and there will be dancing, too).
Fort Clinch Reenactments
Fort Clinch State Park features a weekend Union Garrison with reenactors (Saturday, July 4th from 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday, July 5th, from 9 am to 1 pm). Glimpse soldier life as it was in the year 1864 and have fun interacting with fort historians. Activities typically include artillery demonstrations (including firing cannons), flag raising ceremony, marching drills, cooking on wood fires, and other demonstrations. For more info, call Fort Clinch at 904-277-7274.
“Hometown All-American 4th of July Celebration”
Centre Street, Downtown Fernandina Beach, FloridaOld-fashioned, family-friendly fun is planned in Fernandina Beach to celebrate a “Hometown All-American 4th of July.” Don’t miss the Saturday evening Independence Day Parade at 6 pm on Centre Street. A fireworks display over the riverfront at 9:30 pm wraps up the night with a colorful bang (see full schedule of activities below). Hot dogs and hamburgers will be available from food vendors.
Kids (and parents) are invited to decorate bicycles red, white, and blue (streamers, patriotic decorations) and pedal in the parade for free (there will be a prize). Note that all bikers (and skaters) are required to wear helmets and “appropriate safety gear,” according to the parade application.
The parade will depart Central Park then head north to Atlantic Avenue, then west along Centre Street toward the riverfront. The parade will turn at 3rd Street (south), and then onto Ash Street, returning to Central Park. (Those walking or riding bicycles can go directly to waterfront activity area near the marina — Parking Lot B — instead of back to Central Park.)
Dress Your Pet, Eat Pie
Have a pet who likes to be the “bell of the ball?” Dress pets to participate in the “Patriotic Pet” contest. There will also be judging of homemade apple pies and a blueberry pie eating contest. During the evening, live music will be performed by Yancy Clegg and the Nassau Community Band. Food vendors will also be available.
Schedule of July 4, 2015 Saturday evening activities:
6:00pm – Parade begins
7:00pm – Waterfront event starts at Parking Lot B
7:00pm – Yancy Clegg performs until 8:30pm
7:20pm – Decorated bicycle judging
7:40pm – Patriotic pet contest
8:00pm – Pie judging
8:20pm – Eating contest
8:45pm – Nassau Community Band performs
9:30pm – Fireworks
For further info about the “Hometown All-American 4th of July Celebration,” call the city of Fernandina 904-310-3361 event organizer, Jay Robertson, or see updates at Facebook event page. The 4th of July holiday events are sponsored by the city of Fernandina Beach and “Light Up Amelia.”
