July 3
Red, White and Blue Night at the World Golf Hall of Fame

      Celebrate Independence Day at the World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater and enjoy dinner and two movies before the spectacular fireworks display. 5:30pm to 7:30pm - All American Buffet at Fairways Café, 7:15pm - Dinosaurs: Giants of the Patagonia at the IMAX, 8:15pm - Mysteries of the Great Lakes at the IMAX. Fireworks following the last show. Adults are $25 (includes two drink tickets) and Children (12 and under) are $20. Purchases also come with Free Parking! Please RSVP to 904-940-4010. If you just come for the Fireworks Display, there will be a small admissions charge for parking. Bring blankets or lawn chairs (no coolers please) and find a spot around the Walk of Champions to enjoy the show. Restaurants and shops will be open to the public.
World Golf Village / 904-940-4123 / 2 World Golf Place, St. Augustine / www.wgv.com


July 4 and 5
Freedom, Fanfare and Fireworks

      The City of Jacksonville's annual Independence Day celebration, Freedom, Fanfare and Fireworks, will be a two-day event full of family fun. Ice skating and family activities will take place at the Veterans Memorial Arena on Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Everyone's favorite 4th of July event comes Friday when Big & Rich, Joe Nichols and The Road Hammers rock Metro Park beginning at 4 pm, followed by a spectacular fireworks show that will light up the downtown sky at 9:30 pm.
Downtown Jacksonville
Info: (904) 630-3690 or coj.net


July 4
Stars and Stripes Freedom Festival

      The whole family will enjoy Fernandina Beach's day-long Stars & Stripes Freedom Festival. The free event runs from 10 am to 2 pm and includes a Public Safety Vehicles Display (police cars, fire trucks, and more), All American Apple Pie Contest, Parent-Child Look-A-Like Contest, a playground, arts and crafts show, vendors, music, food and much more. Then from 6 pm to 8 pm enjoy the Sounds on Centre concert and the monthly "Art"rageous First Friday art walk. Wrap up the evening with the Annual City of Fernandina Beach Fireworks Display at the foot of Centre Street at 9:30 pm.
Central Park, Fernandina Beach
Info: (904) 277-7305 or ameliaisland.org


American Pie 4th of July in Orange Park

      Enjoy a day of entertainment, free games, train rides, arts & crafts, scout exhibits, pie events and more. Bring your lawn chair and watch the hometown parade at 2 pm on River Road. Finish off the evening with 4th of July Fireworks. This event is free. Moosehaven- U.S. 17 South, Orange Park
Info: orangepark4thofjuly.com


July 4 Beach Bash

      Celebrate July 4th with a Beach Bash at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Enjoy a full buffet, live entertainment, games, and fireworks. The beach bash will take place from 6 pm to 9 pm. Reservations are required. Admission: Adults/$75, Children/$35.
Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Info: (904) 277-1028


All American Song Fest

      Gainesville's Free Fridays Fourth of July celebration will include a musical tour of American history and culture. The concert will consist of patriotic songs, depression era workingman songs and 1960's protest songs all about America. The fun begins at 7:30 pm. Downtown Plaza, Gainesville
Info: (352) 334-ARTS


"Let Freedom Swing"

      Kids can dance away their Independence Day at the Murray Hill Theatre during the "Let Freedom Swing" event. The fun begins at 8:30 pm when kids can learn swing and other forms of dancing from trained instructors. DJ C-Shells spins swing and other dance favorites throughout the night. Admission: $8.
Murray Hill Theatre
Info: (904) 388-3179


4th of July Liberty Celebration

      Jacksonville Beach's fantastic 4th tradition continues this year with a fireworks display that promises to be the best yet. Gather some friends, grab a blanket and look to the ocean at 9:30 pm for a show that will have everyone cheering. The fireworks will be set off at the Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier, so arrive early to get a good view.
Jacksonville Beach
Info: (904) 247-6268


St. Augustine's Fourth of July Celebration

      Have a blast at one of the East Coast's largest fireworks shows! The eye-popping event takes place above the ancient Castillo de San Marcos. The 20-minute show includes a stirring soundtrack of great patriotic music and is set to begin at 9:30 pm. Be sure to arrive early to get a good spot.
Downtown St. Augustine
Info: (904) 825-1004


4th of July Family Fireworks Cruise

      Celebrate the 4th on the St. Johns River with front row seats for the best fireworks display around! Climb aboard at 7:30pm at The Jacksonville Landing. You will be treated to a sunset cruise on the river before heading back into the heart of downtown. You will have the opportunity to view the fireworks from the docks while listening to the radio simulcast to which the fireworks are choreographed. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:45pm. Bring your cooler and snacks, and be sure to dress for the occasion- there will be a prize for the most patriotic passenger! Free gifts for the children, too! Passengers will disembark at The Jacksonville Landing after the fireworks end, once the river re-opens, at approximately 10:15pm. Adults $17, Seniors $15, Children $12 Special Family Event Reduced Rate! Seating is limited, and reservations are required, so get your tickets early.
Jax Water Taxi, Jacksonville Landing, 2 Independent Drive, 7:30pm - 10:15pm. Info: (904) 733-7782 or www.jaxwatertaxi.com


July 4 - 6
2nd Annual Springfield Heritage Days Festival

      Historic Springfield, Jacksonville's first neighborhood, will present the 2nd Annual Springfield Heritage Days Festival: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, 2008. With Friday night fireworks and block party with free food to Saturday's Throwback Baseball Game and Acoustic Music Festival to the weekend's famous Home & Garden Tours, you can't miss this event! Tickets are available by contacting the SPAR Council office at (904) 353-7727or by email at SparOffice@sparcouncil.org