The cities of Bradenton and Palmetto announced plans for a joint Fourth of July celebration offering synchronized festivities on both sides of the Green Bridge.
Events begin at 5 p.m. on July 4 at Rossi Park in downtown Bradenton and Riverside Park in Palmetto, with each location featuring live music, food trucks, kids zones and artisan vendors. Both celebrations will conclude with a fireworks show launched at about 9 p.m. from the Green Bridge Pier.
“The spirit of this event reflects the pride of both cities,” Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said. “It’s a meaningful reflection of our shared values and the strong community spirit that connects both sides of the river.”
Bradenton Alive and Bradenton will host the “Alive 4th of July” celebration starting at 5 p.m. at at Rossi Park, featuring live music by Phoenix 5 and 22N. The event will feature food trucks and local merchants, a kids play zone with face painters, bounce houses, games, as well as a VIP shaded area with a private bar and food selections, and park features like a splash pad and playground, according to a news release.
Palmetto will host its “Fourth Fest” at Riverside Park with music by DJ James Thomas, Music Royale, and The Eric Von Band. Children’s activities will include face painting, bounce houses, and arts and crafts, while a food truck court, a local artisan market, and the Red, White & Brews beer garden will be open to adults.
“We’re thrilled to bring people together in the heart of Palmetto to celebrate our nation’s independence,” Palmetto Mayor Dan West said. “Palmetto Fourth Fest reflects the spirit of our city − welcoming, festive, and rooted in American pride − and we’re proud to celebrate alongside our neighbors in Bradenton in a show of unity and community across the river.”
Road closures and parking limits are expected in both cities. The Green Bridge will close to traffic at 8 p.m. on July 4 and reopen two and a half hours later at 10:30 p.m., following the fireworks finale.
In Bradenton, the parking lot adjacent to Rossi Park with Splash Park and Forever Lawn will be closed 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on July 4. Bradenton will offer free public parking at downtown parking garages and riverwalk area lots, the parking across from the Manatee Player’s Theatre, and on streets surrounding Rossi Park.
Palmetto’s Riverside Drive will be closed from 8 a.m. Friday to noon July 5, and the boat ramp will be shut down for the full day on July 4. Trolley service will be available in Palmetto from 5-10 p.m. with pick-up and drop-off at Riverside Drive and 10th Avenue West. Free public parking will be available at First Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, city lots, and street parking in the city’s Historic District.
City officials are encouraging attendees to arrive early, bring lawn chairs, and stay updated by following municipal social media pages.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Bradenton and Palmetto announce July 4th fireworks celebration on the Manatee River
Reporting by Jesse Mendoza, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
