Bursts of red, white and blue will light up sky to celebrate the 4th of July in Polk County for two nights with major firework celebrations planned on July 3 and 4.
Spread out those lawn chairs and blankets to watch fireworks from your local waterfront, after watching America’s favorite pastime ― baseball ― or compete in a local watermelon eating competition. There’s plenty of ways to enjoy Independence day based on The Ledger’s full list of local events:
July 3
Lakeland
The Lakeland Downtown Development Agency, or LDDA, will host Picnic in Munn Park starting at 6 p.m. July 3. Downtown restaurants and farmers’ market vendors come together to offer a variety of food and beverages for purchase as DJ Limptastic provides music for dancing. Some family games such as corn hole, giant Jenga and others will be provided.
The T. Mims Corp. sponsors Lakeland’s Red, White & Kaboom Independence Celebration starting at 6 p.m. July 3 along the Frances Langford Promenade on Lake Mirror. The annual event will feature a performance by Gary Love and the Moonlighters before a 9 p.m. fireworks display. Attendees are asked to bring a canned food item to benefit Volunteers in Service to the Elderly, or VISTE. Food trucks arrive earlier at 5 p.m.
Winter Haven
The City of Winter haven presents Rockin’ Freedom Fest starting at 6 p.m. July 3 at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 275 S. Lake Silver Drive. Celebrate with a show from the Cypress Garden Ski team, music by Bay Kings Band, food trucks and more. Fireworks at sunset. Attendees are suggested to bring towels or chairs to sit on.
July 4
Auburndale
Watch the City of Auburndale’s fireworks over Lake Ariana starting at 9 p.m. July 4. Lake Ariana Park is currently under construction. The boat ramp will remain open, but the parking lot is for launching boats only. The lake shore and areas surrounding the ramp will remain closed during the event. For more information, call 863-965-5545.
Bartow
Join the City of Bartow for an Independence Day Celebration, from 2:30 to 10 p.m., at Mosaic Park, 1865 S. Broadway Ave. There will be live music starting at 3 p.m. featuring George Morris & the Lariat Band, Ray Nichols Band, Daniel Burns Band, Eli Mosley with a special veteran’s salute at 8:30 p.m. A Kids’ Zone will open at 2:30 p.m. featuring moon bounces, inflatables, face painting, a balloon artist, roving magician, Giant Jenga and Connect Four games. Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:10 p.m.
Davenport
Davenport’s 4th of July Celebration begins at 4 p.m. on Independence Day at the Lewis Mathews Sports Complex, 400 E. Palm St. The event features live entertainment by the Outta Hand Band, food, craft vendors, a kid zone and more. Fireworks begin at dark, approximately 9 p.m. No personal fireworks are allowed, with attendees advised to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.
Dundee
Join the Town of Dundee for its annual 4th of July celebration “Food, Friends and Fireworks” starting at 6 p.m. July 4 at 603 Lake Marie Blvd. There will be life music, games, food, bounce houses, vendors with fireworks at 9 p.m. Parking gates open at 5 p.m.
Fort Meade
Main Street Fort Meade will present its 4th of July events starting at 5 p.m. featuring food and craft vendors with competitive events, some requiring advance registration:
Haines City
Thunder on the Ridge returns this Fourth of July, presented by Miracle Toyota of Haines City, 4 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. at Lake Eva Park, 555 Ledwith Ave. This year’s celebration will have live entertainment featuring B. Haven, Blake Free Band and the Backbeat Band presented by Backbeat Entertainment. There will be a beer garden, water zone, bounce houses, face painting, balloon artists, food and market vendors. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.
Lake Wales
The City of Lake Wales will hold its Rockin’ on the Ridge, starting at 3 p.m. July 4 at Lake Wailes Park, 33 N. Lake Shore Blvd. There will be live music, train rides, stilt walkers, food trucks, games and more. The city will host its annual watermelon eating contest along with the best dressed (most patriotic) contest. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chairs to sit on.
Lakeland
The Lakeland Flying Tigers will host a 4th of July Independence Day Celebration at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., on July 4. Gates open at 4 p.m. with game against the Dunedin Blue Jays at 5 p.m. Fireworks to follow the game.
Hosting or know of a 4th of July event not listed here? Email swalsh@theledger.com to be added.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Food, music, fireworks and more: Here’s where to celebrate the 4th of July in Polk County
Reporting by Sara-Megan Walsh, Lakeland Ledger / The Ledger
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