Soon the flags will be unfurled and once again be lining the streets of downtown Coconut Grove as the village readies for its favorite holiday celebration — Independence Day.
As in previous years, the events start early and end late, beginning with the traditional picnic at The Barnacle, and culminating with a big bash and fireworks display at Peacock Park, 2820 McFarlane Rd.
The board of directors of the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce is excited to be coordinating the fireworks extravaganza at Peacock Park, and especially looking forward to teaming up with returning sponsor, the Boston Beer Company. Sam Adams once again is the official beer for July 4 at Peacock Park, and nothing goes better with beer than an assortment of some of the city’s top gourmet food trucks, including, as of this date: CheeseMe Mobile, Dim Ssam a gogo, Gastropod, Latin Burger and The Fish Box, plus Fireman Derek’s World-Famous Pies and a Snow Caps stand. Soft drinks, cocktails and Zico Coconut Water will round out the menu.
Free Entertainment includes perform-ances by The Ramblers Band, Pit Bull of Blues and Joel Zoss. There also will be a Children’s Fun Zone.
Festivities in the park get going around 5 p.m. and are expected to last until 10 p.m.
As per tradition, the Coconut Grove Independence Day celebrations begin at 11 a.m. with an old-fashioned picnic at The Barnacle Historic State Park. Lawn games, board games, kite making, crafts, and a treasure hunt will keep the whole family entertained and in a sporting mood. Live music from Joel Zoss adds atmosphere to a park already decked out in traditional Fourth of July bunting.
Bring a picnic or treat yourself to hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie dogs and burgers, popcorn, soft drinks and ice cream available for purchase. The Barnacle Historic State Park is located at 3485 Main Hwy. in downtown Coconut Grove, across the street from the Coconut Grove Playhouse. Admission to the park on the day of this event is $5; $3 for ages 6-12; children under 6 are free. The park opens at 9 a.m. with activities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Park closes at 5 p.m. The Barnacle welcomes blankets, lawn chairs and picnics, but alcohol and fireworks are not permitted.
For additional information call 305- 442-6866 or visit online at www.TheBarnacle.org. The fun continues in downtown Grove, with the Merchants Group Scavenger Hunt which starts around 3 p.m., followed by the Hotdog Eating Contest at CocoWalk. Once the winner is announced, it is time to head to the park and stake out a spot to relax and enjoy a variety of food with ice cold Sam Adams, and let the fireworks begin.
The entire weekend is filled with festivities. Many of the Grove hotels will be having weekend specials, and the Grove BID once again will feature all manner of street theater — from flame throwers, to tightrope dancers and acrobats, performing daring feats along Grand Avenue.
The chamber is in need of volunteers to help at the vending booths in the park. It is a lot of fun and a great way to make sure you have a spot to see the fireworks. For more information, contact Lisa Shallenberger at lmshall@hotmail.com.
For up-to-the-minute info and event itinerary as it unfolds, check out the events calendar on the chamber website at www.coconutgrovechamber.com.
