Freedom Fest set to continue steadfast tradition

The 15th annual Freedom Festival kicks off on July 4 at 9 a.m.

By Katie Johns
| 8:40 a.m. June 21, 2017

Alahna Smith, 4, and Lexi Gwen, 6 check out sand art at last year's festival.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Everyone talks about how short it is, but the Freedom Fest parade shouldn’t be measured in length.

Every year, on July 4, the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce organizes what might possibly be the shortest parade in the United States. Stretching only about a quarter-mile, the parade still encompasses everything a patriotic parade should — a lot of tradition.

For the past 14 years, the parade has brought a classic small-town celebration to Bicentennial Park for Independence Day.

This year will be no different.

The morning will begin with the parade, which will include Longboat Key fire trucks and police cars and a big boat from Cannons Marina.

Town commissioners and the grand marshal, who will be named soon, will also walk in the parade. Families are welcome to walk with decorated bikes, cars, scooters, wagons and even pets.

After the parade, everyone is invited to a celebration at Bicentennial Park. There, kids can revel in games, face-painting and balloon and sand art.

When they’re done playing games, they can fill up on Belgian waffles with strawberries and whipped cream from the Blue Dolphin Café. The Longboat Key Garden Club will organize a butterfly release to add to the festivities.

“My favorite is watching the kids when the parade is over, running to the park and you can see the look on their faces,” Chamber President Gail Loefgren said. “They can hardly wait to play games and do the butterfly release.”

In addition, the Rotary Club of Longboat Key will once again sponsor the Hot Diggity Dog! Parade and Contest. The contest is open to all festive pups and their owners.

Carol Erker, past president of the Rotary Club, said the group initially started the Hot Diggity Dog Contest to build interest in the development of an off-leash dog park at Bayfront Park. That park will officially open soon.

The club will award prizes to the most patriotic dog, the most creative costume and the best owner and dog combination.

Other Local Events

Sandbar Restaurant Fourth of July Extravaganza

Takes place at 6 p.m. at the pavilion of Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria. Head to the pavilion for a perfect view of the Anna Maria Island fireworks show. VIP package holders get food, an open bar and party favors for $140 per adult and $50 per child 12 and under. The fireworks show begins around 9 p.m. Call 778-8709 for reservations.

Voices of Freedom

Begins at 4:30 p.m. at First Church, Sarasota, 104 S. Pineapple Ave. Choral Artists of Sarasota, formerly Gloria Musicae, will hold a 90-minute performance with a new setting of the Gettysburg Address. The event will be dedicated to the memory of June LeBell, the late performer and executive director of Choral Artists of Sarasota. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Call 387-6046.

All-American Cookout

Takes place at 6 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 South Palm Ave. Enjoy music by SoulRCoaster, All-American grill classics and beverages available for purchase by Michael’s On East and a picturesque view of the Sarasota Bayfront fireworks show. A trolley will be available from 5 to 9:30 p.m. from the Sarasota Friendship Center, 1888 Brother Geenen Way. Admission is $25 for members, $35 for non-members, $10 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for children ages 3 and under. The VIP Selby Experience, which includes food, beverages and valet, is $125. Call 366-5731.

Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular

The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. as part of the 2017 Powerboat Grand Prix. The official festival viewing is at Island Park, 5 Island Park Drive, but the show can be seen from anywhere along Sarasota Bay. Call 487-7904.